The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced an increase in the country's broadband penetration, but added that penetration, access and quality of services continue to stifle progress.

According to the latest figures 21% of citizens now have access to broadband internet and, according to the regulator, the country's 48% internet penetration is now the continent's second highest – just behind South Africa.

In addition to issues raised about access, voice and data service subscribers in Nigeria are still complaining about the quality of the services from various operators although, but the number of complaints are reducing, the NCC claims.

Abdullahi Maikano, Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau at the NCC said the commission handled about 30,000 complaints in the last six months.

A closer look at the figures showed a reduction of 74% in the number of complaints in Q2 compared to that of Q1. It also showed that about 77% of the complaints were resolved.

Delivering the first progress report on the Commission's 8-point agenda, NCC Executive Vice Chairman Umar Danbatta said the commission's articulated regulatory framework will facilitate strategic and systematic licensing and deployment of broadband infrastructure across the country.

He opined that the country is on track towards achieving the goals set in its National Broadband Plan, the first being achievement of 30% broadband penetration rate by 2018 – a goal Danbatta said would be achieved via active participation of all stakeholders, including the NCC.

"NCC has prime responsibility in ensuring the achievement of the National Broadband Plan. We are stressing the importance of broadband on the international policy agenda and expanding its access in Nigeria," he said.