The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported that telecommunications sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) rose to 9.19% in the first quarter of this year, up from 8.12% contribution in the previous quarter.
The commission, in its latest data published on Thursday on the performance of the telecoms sector in the quarter under review, indicated that the share of telecoms in total economic output had been growing over the past two quarters from the 7.67% contribution it made in Q3 2025.
In the statistical data published on its website, the NCC disclosed that the sector’s expanded contribution was primarily due to a 50% tariff increase approved by it in 2025, which helped to buoy capital expenditures in network upgrades and infrastructure expansion nationwide.
Before the regulatory rebasing of the nation’s economy by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2024, the telecom sector’s contribution to the nation’s GDP had peaked at 16.06% in the second quarter of 2023.
- Advertisement -
Following the rebasing exercise, the sector’s GDP contribution was 7.51% in Q3 2024 before sustaining its upward trajectory through 2025 and early 2026.
Recently commenting on the sector’s improving performance, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), noted that the sector’s recent growth reflected renewed investor confidence driven by regulatory adjustments and government economic reforms.
The industry expert clarified: “Part of what we are seeing today in terms of contribution to GDP growth is the outcome of government policies that are now being implemented,” Adebayo said, adding that tariff revisions allowed operators to commit capital to expand coverage and improve service quality.”
