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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
Tantita Security reviving Nigeria’s economy, restoring peace in Niger Delta – Funkekeme
Senior Policy Adviser to the Delta State Governor and State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Hon. Funkekeme Solomon has said the appointment of Tantita Security Services Limited to protect Nigeria’s critical oil assets has significantly improved the nation’s economy while restoring peace across the Niger Delta.
Speaking during an appearance on Beyond The Headlines on TVC, Solomon commended President Tinubu for entrusting the surveillance of the country’s oil installations to Tantita Security Services Limited, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo.
According to him, the security outfit has played a pivotal role in curbing crude oil theft, boosting oil production and increasing government revenue at the federal, state and local government levels.
Solomon described Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, as an illustrious son of the Niger Delta whose contributions to the region’s struggle have now translated into tangible economic and security gains for the country.
He said the activities of Tantita Security Services Limited have created employment opportunities for thousands of youths across the Niger Delta, reduced insecurity and ensured the uninterrupted flow of crude oil.
“There is peace in the region, oil is flowing properly and a lot of young men have been empowered. The President’s confidence in Tompolo is also a demonstration of trust in the people of the Niger Delta,” he said.
The former Deputy Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly also praised the Tinubu administration for policies and initiatives benefiting the Niger Delta and the Ijaw people, including the legal backing given to the Nigerian Maritime University Okerenkoko and the establishment of an oil and gas medical facility in Benikruku.
Solomon further defended the Federal Government’s economic reforms, saying they have released more resources to the various tiers of government and laid the foundation for Nigeria’s long-term economic stability.
He maintained that while the reforms may require patience, they are designed to deliver lasting benefits to Nigerians and should be sustained.
“Nigeria is too big for trial and error. These reforms prioritise the country’s long-term stability over immediate applause. The Nigerian people are the ultimate beneficiaries, and continuity is necessary to consolidate the gains already being recorded,” he said.
He warned that reversing key policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy, would undermine the progress already achieved, stressing that sustained reforms are essential to guaranteeing continued economic growth and national development.
News
BREAKING: CBN revokes licences of 46 Microfinance Banks over failure to satisfy regulatory requirements
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revoked the operating licences of 46 microfinance banks across the country, citing their failure to meet key regulatory requirements for continued operation.
The decision takes effect from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Acting Director of the CBN’s Corporate Communications Department, Hakama Sidi-Ali. The apex bank said the action was taken in line with its powers under Sections 12 and 13 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA), 2020, and was approved by the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso.
According to the CBN, the affected institutions lost their licences after failing to satisfy the conditions required to remain licensed financial institutions.
The bank explained that the revocation was based on one or more regulatory infractions, including insufficient assets to meet liabilities, shutting down operations without obtaining CBN approval, prolonged inactivity and cessation of financial intermediation, failure to commence business within 12 months after receiving a licence, and failure to maintain the minimum capital requirements without impairment from accumulated losses.
The CBN described the move as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen the nation’s financial system and ensure that all licensed financial institutions operate in compliance with existing laws and prudential regulations.
“The revocation of the licences is part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to safeguard the stability of the financial sector, protect depositors, and ensure that licensed institutions comply with current laws and regulatory requirements,” the statement said.
The apex bank reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe, sound and resilient financial system, stressing that it would continue to take appropriate supervisory and regulatory measures where necessary to sustain public confidence in Nigeria’s banking sector.
News
Tinubu Hails Wike’s Performance, Says All FCT Districts Now Feeling Impact of Governance(Photos)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday hailed the performance of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, declaring that it has become very evidently clear that all districts in the FCT are now feeling the impact of governance through completed projects that improve the quality of life of residents.

The President, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, spoke while commissioning the Full Scope Development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street, comprising Important Local Streets (ILS) 16, 18 and 19, in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
Describing the project as a practical demonstration of the Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu said his administration was focused on delivering projects that address the everyday needs of Nigerians.
“We are here to open a road, but more importantly, we are here to restore access. The Full Scope Development of Akinwumi Ajibola Street is now complete and open for use. In this government, we measure ourselves by finished work. This street is finished work,” he said.
According to the President, residents of Gaduwa endured years of hardship despite owning homes in the district because there was no motorable road linking them to their properties.
“For years, families in Gaduwa built homes here in good faith, yet they had no motorable road to reach those homes. When the rains came, the place became impassable. That is not how a capital city treats its citizens. Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, we came to work, and today that promise is visible on these streets,” he added.

Tinubu commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike, for changing what he described as the culture of project delivery in Abuja through effective supervision, prompt funding and timely completion of projects.
“When the Honourable Minister reviewed the files and saw the neglect, he did not issue another memo. He brought contractors back to site, gave clear targets and backed those targets with funding.
“You have changed the culture of delivery in the FCT. You ended the era of mobilisation without movement and abandoned inner roads. You are taking development from the city centre into the districts and satellite towns so that no resident is left behind. You have my confidence and my commendation,” the President said.
He noted that the completed road would improve mobility, reduce travel time, enhance property values and provide safer access for residents through the provision of drainage and streetlights.
Tinubu also urged residents to protect the infrastructure by preventing vandalism and ensuring drainage channels remain free of refuse.
“We will not stop here. Across the FCT, from the city centre to the area councils, our task is to finish what matters, connect what was separated and ensure that public funds translate into public value,” he said.
Earlier, FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike said the commissioning formed part of the 16th project in the administration’s ongoing 31-day project inauguration programme marking President Tinubu’s third year in office.
According to him, the President had directed upon assumption of office that every district in the FCT must benefit from government projects, irrespective of whether they are located in the city centre or satellite communities.
“You instructed us that every district in the FCT must feel the impact of this administration. Today, I can confidently say that no district can claim it has been neglected. We have taken development to Jahi, Gwarimpa, Katampe, Guzape, Kwali and now Gaduwa,” Wike said.
The minister attributed the rapid execution of projects to the cordial working relationship between the Executive and the National Assembly, which ensured timely budget approvals and releases.
He also cautioned the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) against naming roads constructed by the Federal Government without due approval.
“If the Federal Government constructs the roads, permission must be obtained before naming them. Do not wait for us to build roads before putting names on them or using them to generate revenue,” he warned.
In her remarks, the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the commissioning as another milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
She said the project reflected the administration’s commitment to people-oriented infrastructure that improves mobility, enhances economic activities and raises the living standards of residents.
Mahmoud commended President Tinubu, Wike, the National Assembly, contractors, consultants, traditional rulers, security agencies and residents of Gaduwa for their contributions to the successful completion of the project, assuring that the FCT Administration would sustain the pace of infrastructure development across the territory.
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