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Africa still far from robust Internet connectivity
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By Sonny Aragba-Akpore
Despite the rise in global internet connectivity,African countries still wobble on the outskirts of globalization.
Paucity of investments,high costs of devices and political will may have been some of the reasons for the slow growth.
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) released its 2024 Facts and Figures in Geneva,Switzerland last week with Africa almost occupying the bottom line in connectivity.
The ITU admits however that universal coverage is still elusive even though the growth in developed economies is high.
In 2024 ,5.5 billion people were online representing 68 per cent of the world population, compared with 65 per cent just a year earlier.
The year-on-year growth rate is itself increased rom 2.7 just one year ago to 3.4 per cent this year. “But the same figure tells us that 2.6 billion people, one-third of the global population, are still offline but Universal connectivity remains a distant prospect.”
In high-income countries 93 per cent of the population uses the Internet.
This contrasts starkly with the situation in low-income countries, where only 27 per cent of the population is online.
While the yearly growth rate in these economies averages 8.5 per cent in 2024, higher than in any of the other groups or regions, this is not sufficient to close the gap anytime soon.
The average monthly mobile broadband traffic per subscription in high-income countries 16.2 gigabytes (GB) is roughly eight times that in low-income countries with 2GB.
Put differently,an average user in a high-income country generates more traffic in just four days than a user in a low-income country does in a whole month.
Though smaller than across income groups, regional disparities are still striking. The average monthly traffic in Africa is 3.1 GB per subscription, less than a quarter of the world average of 13.9 GB or one-sixth that seen in the Commonwealth Independent of States (CIS) with 19.1 GB.
The ITU Facts and Figures show that “in 2024 the two connectivity benchmarks, namely the data-only mobile broadband basket and the fixed broadband basket, have become more affordable in all regions of the world and for all income groups.
Globally the median price of the mobile broadband basket, expressed as a percentage of gross national income (GNI) per capita, dropped from 1.3 to 1.1 per cent, while that of the fixed broadband basket dropped from 2.8 to 2.5 per cent.”
“Nonetheless, lack of affordability continues to be a key barrier to Internet access, particularly in low-income economies. A wide gap persists between high-income economies and the rest of the world, despite small improvements.” “Compared with the average mobile broadband subscriber in a high-income economy, subscribers in a lower-middle-income economy pay around six times as much of their income for such a basket, while subscribers in a low-income economy pay 19 times as much. A fixed broadband subscription, where one is available, costs the equivalent of nearly a third of the average person’s income in a low-income country.”
The United Nations Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development set an ambitious goal of making broadband in developing countries affordable by 2025.
Affordability is defined as the availability of broadband access at a price that is less than two per cent of monthly GNI per capita.
“In the last two years, the availability of relevant price data has greatly improved. Out of the 208 economies for which data are available, 140 economies currently meet the affordability target for at least the data-only mobile broadband or the fixed broadband basket; this is nine more than in 2023. However, among the low-income and middle-income economies, only 65, around one-half, have met the Broadband Commission’s affordability target for at least one of the two baskets.
Given recent trends in ICT prices and income levels, it is looking increasingly inevitable that most of the remaining population in these economies in that income group will miss the 2025 objective even for entry-level broadband access.”
Since commercial deployment of fifth generation (5G)began in 2019, its coverage has increased to reach 51 per cent of the world population in 2024 ITU figures for 2024 show.
GSMA puts the figure at 54 % for its 2025 reports indicating a marginal growth of three percent.
“However, the distribution is very uneven: 84 per cent of people in high-income countries are covered, but only four per cent in low-income countries.
At the regional level, Europe boasts the highest 5G coverage, at 72 per cent of the population, followed by the Americas (63 per cent) and the Asia-Pacific region (62 per cent). Coverage is much lower in the Arab States (13 per cent), the CIS (12 per cent) and Africa (11 per cent).”
But Where 5G is not available yet, 4G remains a very good alternative, available to 92 per cent of the world population. In low-income countries, however, 4G only reaches about half the population (52 per cent), and 3G remains an important technology for connecting to the Internet.
In reality ,Urban areas are generally prioritized for infrastructure roll-out, being more densely populated and hence more profitable to network providers.
This explains why globally 67 per cent of people living in urban areas have access to a 5G network, compared with only 29 per cent of those living in rural areas, a difference of almost 40 percentage points. The urban-rural gap affects all regions, ranging between 18 percentage points in the CIS region and 41 percentage points in the Asia-Pacific region.
In high-income countries, 90 per cent of the urban population has access to a 5G network, compared with only 58 percent of the rural population. In low-income countries, 5G is essentially unavailable in rural areas, and reaches only 10 percent of the urban population.
Mobile phones are the most common gateway to the Internet, so the prevalence of mobile ownership provides an indication of Internet penetration. “This is not a one-to-one relation, however: for one thing, people other than the owner may use the phone to access the Internet like children using the phone of a parent and some mobile phones are used on a calls-only basis (feature phones, limited subscriptions)”. Furthermore, some people may own more than one mobile phone like in Nigeria. .
In most countries, the percentage of individuals owning a mobile phone is somewhat higher than the percentage of individuals using the Internet.
The Global System of Mobile Communication Association (GSMA) released its yearly report last week too saying that the Fourth-generation (4G) technology has emerged as the most dominant network across the globe, with about 7.6 billion people now enjoying the service.
In its State of Mobile Internet Connectivity report, it also disclosed that 5G now covers more than half of the world’s population accounting for 54%.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) data show that 4G network has reached 50.8 per cent of the population, followed by 2G, which covers 38.6 per cent; 3G, 7.38 per cent and 5G, 3.17 per cent in the country.
Three key players are MTN,Airtel and GloMobile.
But the coverage is more in urban and semi urban areas where 4G is predominantly concentrated and pockets of 5G.
“Almost 7.6 billion people worldwide now have 4G coverage, equivalent to 93 per cent of the global population. The majority of network investment continues to be in 5G deployments. 5G coverage has now reached more than half the world’s population (54 per cent or 4.4 billion people) with more than 700 million additional people covered in 2024.”GSMA submitted.
On Nigeria ,GSMA said, 78 per cent of rural respondents interviewed during its in-country survey,are aware of mobile Internet but only 39 per cent own an Internet-enabled phone a drop-off of 39 percentage points. This drop-off is also significant for urban respondents but smaller, at 24 percentage points.
While there are reports of fast growth of internet around the globe,
5G in Nigeria is still in its early days, mainly serving urban areas and those users familiar with the technology,desirous of fast speed connectivity and can afford high end devices and data plans.
“However, as infrastructure improves and device costs drop, 5G could become the foundation for Nigeria’s digital transformation”according to an analyst.
For those who live in major cities and have 5G-capable devices, and can afford higher data costs, 5G is a win win technology but consumes data faster than any other technology.
News
After Years of Delays, Tinubu Delivers Wasa Relocation Promise to Apo Mechanics, Traders(Photos)
The long-awaited relocation of mechanics, artisans and traders from the Apo Mechanic Village to the Wasa District in Abuja has finally become a reality, ending years of unfulfilled promises by successive administrations.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Friday, commissioned the access roads, power and water infrastructure for the Informal Sector Layout in Wasa District, paving the way for the relocation of thousands of traders and mechanics to the new site.
Represented by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, the President said the project fulfilled a commitment that had remained unrealised for more than a decade despite repeated assurances by previous governments.
“The relocation to Wasa District was a promise long delayed by previous administrations. Today, under this administration, that promise has been fulfilled,” Tinubu said at the commissioning ceremony in Abuja.
According to him, the project is a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at ensuring that infrastructure development benefits ordinary Nigerians and supports economic growth.
For years, mechanics, artisans and traders operating along the Outer Southern Expressway (OSEX) corridor had complained about inadequate facilities and uncertainty over relocation plans tied to the Abuja Master Plan.
Tinubu noted that beyond the construction of roads, electricity and water supply, the project represents an investment in the livelihoods of thousands of Nigerians who depend on the informal sector.
“What we are commissioning today goes far beyond the provision of access roads, erecting electricity poles or laying water pipes. This is an investment in human dignity and economic freedom.
“The informal sector is the true engine of our economy, sustaining millions of livelihoods. By providing premium infrastructure here in Wasa, we are transforming this district into a modern, vibrant commercial hub that will boost Abuja’s Internally Generated Revenue and lower the cost of doing business,” he said.
The President reiterated that his administration remains committed to inclusive development and ensuring that no group is left behind.
“When we took the oath of office and presented the Renewed Hope Agenda to the Nigerian people, we made a solemn pledge that no segment of our society would be left behind and that infrastructure would not be built for only the elite, but as a ladder for the economic empowerment of the everyday Nigerian,” he said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the economic challenges facing Nigerians, describing the ongoing reforms as painful but necessary steps toward building a more resilient economy.
“I am deeply aware of the current economic realities across our nation. As your President, I feel your pain, I hear your concerns and I carry the weight of your daily struggles.
“The economic reforms we have initiated are undoubtedly painful, and their immediate impact has been heavy on households and businesses alike. However, these decisions were not made lightly; they are difficult but necessary surgeries required to save the patient,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to implement social intervention programmes, invest in agriculture and expand infrastructure development to create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Speaking earlier, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, said the completion of the project demonstrated President Tinubu’s resolve to fulfil promises made to residents.
Wike recalled that shortly after assuming office in August 2023, the FCT Administration held consultations with stakeholders, including the Apo Mechanic Traders Association, on the need to relocate them to the designated informal sector layout in Wasa.
He noted that while previous administrations had repeatedly promised the relocation, Tinubu’s government moved beyond promises by providing the required infrastructure.
“Every government that came promised that Apo traders and mechanics would be moved here because staying along the road was not conducive. Those promises were never fulfilled.
“But when Bola Ahmed Tinubu became President, he made the promise and approved the project. The contract was awarded in November last year, and today we are commissioning it. It is not even up to one year,” Wike said.
The minister urged members of the association to resolve internal disagreements and prepare for a smooth relocation to the new site.
“Now that the government has fulfilled its own agreement, I hope you will fulfil yours. Put your house in order so that you can comfortably move here and enjoy the environment,” he said.
Wike also commended CGC Nigeria Limited for delivering the project and thanked host communities, the National Assembly and Area Council chairmen for supporting the execution of infrastructure projects across the Federal Capital Territory.
Also speaking, Minister of State for the FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, described the project as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal and economic empowerment.
She said ongoing rehabilitation and completion of critical projects across Abuja were restoring confidence in governance and repositioning the Federal Capital Territory as a modern capital city in line with global standards.
The newly commissioned Access Roads to the Informal Sector Layout, Wasa District, Abuja where Apo Mechanic Village Traders will be relocated.
#ProjectsFCT2026
#FCT31DaysCommissioning
…Over N480 billion super clandestine lab, methamphetamine found in Ogun forest
A 63-year-old drug baron, Anochili Innocent, three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians have been arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, on an 11-count criminal charge bordering on the setting up of a super clandestine laboratory and the production of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine worth over Four Hundred and Eighty Billion Naira (N480,000,000,000.00) in the international market at Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The defendants: Anochili Innocent, 63; Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40, all Mexican nationals except Anochili; Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; and Nwobum Emeka, 59, were docked on Friday 10th July 2026 following their arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos state between 16th and 18th May 2026. on their 2026.
Suspects arrested in the super lab hidden deep inside Mowe forest, Ijebu East LGA of Ogun State, on 16th May are: Nwankwo Sunday Christian; Igwe Abuchi Remijus; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua; and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor; as well as the three Mexican meth experts: Martinez Felix Nemecto; Jesus López Valles; and Torrero Juan Carlos; while the cartel’s mastermind, Anochili Innocent, was simultaneously arrested at his luxury residence located at No. 8 Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki area of Lagos state.
In follow-up operations on Monday 18th May 2026, NDLEA operatives stormed another property owned by the baron at House 70, Close 3, Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos where another key member of the syndicate, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, was arrested after which investigators stormed the residence of another syndicate member, Emeka Nwobum, whose property served as the cartel’s strategic stash house same day.
The 11-count charge, filed by the NDLEA prosecution team accuses the defendants of conspiring, between February and 16th May 2026, to establish a clandestine laboratory for the preparation, processing and production of methamphetamine, in violation of Section 14(b) of the NDLEA Act.
Other counts include managing, organising and financing a drug trafficking organisation contrary to Section 20(1)(g); unlawfully transporting precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane (P2P), phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, from Lagos to the Mowe laboratory using a Toyota Tacoma, a Mercedes Benz marked APP 942 YL and a Toyota Highlander marked GWA 662DJ, contrary to Section 20(1)(f); and the unlawful production and possession of the 2,419.48kg haul of methamphetamine, contrary to Sections 11(a) and 19 of the Act respectively.
The charge sheet further details the separate possession of large quantities of precursor chemicals recovered at the laboratory, including 358kg of toluene, 1,834kg of hydrochloric acid and 22.5kg of acetone, alongside quantities of P2P and phenyl acetic acid, all contrary to Section 20(1)(e) of the NDLEA Act.
In a count peculiar to only the kingpin, Anochili Innocent, described by the Agency as the owner of the fenced expanse of land on which the super lab was sited, he was charged separately under Section 12 of the NDLEA Act for unlawfully allowing his property to be used for the production of the illicit drug.
All ten defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before Justice Kakaki. The prosecution thereafter called seven witnesses to commence trial having served the defence the proof of evidence since 3rd of July 2026 but the defence objected asking for more time. The court consequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Correctional Centre Lagos with the case adjourned to the 16th and 22nd of July for trial and hearing of the application for bail.
Speaking on the arraignment, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) said the case represents one of the most significant dismantling of an industrial-scale narcotics production operation on Nigerian soil, underscoring the increasingly transnational character of drug trafficking networks now desperate to exploit Nigeria as a manufacturing base for onward export.
“The presence of Mexican nationals among those arrested and arraigned today speaks to the alarming reach of international drug cartels now attempting to entrench themselves in Nigeria, but the Agency will not relent in tracking down and dismantling every such network, no matter how well concealed or well-financed”, Marwa stated.
He reiterated NDLEA’s commitment to ridding Nigeria of drug cartels and their local collaborators, and called on members of the public to continue providing useful information to support the Agency’s operations nationwide.
After Years of Delays, Tinubu Delivers Wasa Relocation Promise to Apo Mechanics, Traders(Photos)
PHOTOS: SEE newly commissioned access road to where App mechanic village is being relicatedy
NDLEA arraigns drug baron Anochili, 3 Mexicans, 6 others, remanded in prison(Photos)
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