Exploring the Implications of High Mobile Penetration in Nigeria

By Obi / Jan 25, 2023 / Development
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Credit: Emmanuel Ikwuegbu

The 2021 Nigeria Multiple Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS) has revealed that mobile penetration by households in Nigeria is widespread at 87.6%, with most states reporting high levels of penetration. According to the survey, the South East region has the highest level of mobile penetration, with Abia state reporting a penetration rate of 94.7%. Other states in the region also recorded high levels of penetration, with Anambra reporting 97.4% and Imo reporting 95.8%.

The North Central region also recorded high levels of penetration, with Abuja Federal Capital Territory reporting a rate of 94.1%. Other states in the region, such as Benue and Nasarawa, also reported high levels of penetration at 79.2% and 88.9% respectively.

However, the North East region had the lowest levels of penetration among all the regions, with Adamawa state reporting 76.8% and Bauchi reporting 77.9%. Other states in the region, such as Borno and Gombe, recorded slightly higher levels of penetration at 87.6% and 81.2% respectively.

In the South South region, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa had the highest levels of penetration at 83.8% and 86.6% respectively, while Cross River had the lowest at 74.1%.

The South West region also recorded high levels of penetration, with Lagos state reporting the highest at 97.2%, followed by Osun state at 93.2%.

Overall, the survey shows that mobile penetration by households in Nigeria is relatively high, with most states reporting penetration rates above 75%. This indicates that mobile technology is widely accessible and utilized by households in Nigeria, which has important implications for access to information and communication.

The high levels of mobile penetration by households in Nigeria have important implications for various aspects of society.
 
First and foremost, it means that a large portion of the population has access to mobile technology and the internet, which can significantly improve access to information and communication. This can enable individuals to stay connected with friends and family, access educational resources, and stay informed about current events. Additionally, mobile technology can also provide access to banking, financial and e-commerce services, which can increase economic opportunities for individuals and businesses.
 

Moreover, mobile penetration can also play a crucial role in promoting development in Nigeria. The ability to access information and communicate easily can help to improve governance and transparency, enabling citizens to hold their leaders accountable, and promoting better service delivery. Furthermore, mobile technology can also support the delivery of essential services such as health and education, enabling remote consultations and virtual learning.

Additionally, Mobile penetration in Nigeria also has potential for businesses to reach new customers, and for entrepreneurs to start new businesses. This is can help drive economic growth and development.

However, it's worth noting that mobile penetration alone does not guarantee equitable access to information and services, as the digital divide still exists in Nigeria, with rural and low-income areas having less access to mobile technology. Therefore, it's important to ensure that efforts are made to bridge the digital divide and provide access to mobile technology and the internet to all citizens, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.

 

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