By George Ozalla
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to reposition Nigeria’s telecommunications sector through its Green Telecoms Initiative, projecting potential cost reductions of up to 50 per cent for operators as part of a broader sustainability drive.
The Commission said the initiative is designed to promote environmentally friendly infrastructure across the industry, with increased adoption of renewable energy systems, improved energy efficiency at telecom base stations, and reduced reliance on diesel-powered generators. It noted that the transition is expected to significantly ease operational costs while improving service reliability and supporting long-term sector stability.
According to the NCC, energy expenditure remains one of the highest cost drivers in the telecommunications industry, and the green transition is expected to address this challenge while aligning the sector with global environmental standards and Nigeria’s energy transition goals. The regulator also highlighted infrastructure sharing among operators as a key component of the policy direction aimed at improving efficiency and reducing duplication of resources.
In a separate update on industry performance, the NCC disclosed that Nigeria’s active telecom lines have increased to 182.2 million, representing an addition of about 13 million subscribers within one year.
The Commission attributed the growth to rising demand for digital services, expanded mobile connectivity, and increased internet usage across both urban and rural areas. It said the development reflects continued resilience in the telecommunications sector despite prevailing economic conditions.
The NCC added that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest telecom markets, with steady growth in subscriber numbers and increasing dependence on mobile technology for communication, business, and access to digital services.
