Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Despite a considerable increase in Internet usage to 655,879.86 terabytes in August 2023, Nigeria's mobile Internet subscriptions declined to 158.48 million.

According to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) data, 507,621 mobile subscriptions were lost month on month in August, although Internet usage increased by 6.61 percent to 655,879.86 from 615,207.39 in July 2023.

MTN Nigeria lost 0.063 percent of its mobile Internet subscriptions in the month under review, bringing the total to 68.03 million. Globacom's subscriber base declined by 0.064 percent to 43.97 million, while Airtel's subscriber base fell by 0.071 percent to 42.96 million. 9mobile fell 11.63 percent to 3.51 million customers.

According to NCC data, broadband penetration declined to 45.57 percent in the month under review. Despite a nationwide target to reach 50% by the end of the year, Nigeria's internet penetration has declined in 2023.

The Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) set a target of 50% broadband penetration by 2023.

According to NCC data, broadband penetration fell to 45.57 percent in the reviewed month. 

Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice-chairman of the NCC, noted that the implementation of resilient telecoms and broadband infrastructure is critical to improve the quality of service and the quality of experience for telecoms consumers.

"As you may be aware, the NCC is driving initiatives for the full deployment of Fifth Generation network (5G) in Nigeria," he stated of how the technology will enhance Internet speed.

"Companies have already been issued 5G spectrum licences for rollout. "It is critical to note that the 5G network will bring significant network improvements, such as higher connection speed, mobility, and capacity, as well as low-latency capabilities to Nigerian communications services," Danbatta stated.