The Telecommunications Industry contributed 8.9% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria compared to the 8.6% recorded in 2015, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Yesterday, the Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Bureau at the NCC, Ephraim Nwokenneya, said the rise was due to the increasing number of telecoms subscribers.

According to Nwokenneya, the number of active telecoms lines rose by 535,844 to 154,660.446 in January, from the 154,124.602 in December 2016.

He said 2017 is a special year for consumers, as the commission is dedicated to strengthening its regulatory function so as to ensure fair competition and sustainable growth of the telecoms market. “We believe that huge opportunities still exist for private sector investment and growth for the market,” the official added.

Anita Fatunji