NCC Reports Telecoms Sector Generated Over 500,000 Jobs, Boosting Nigeria’s Economy

Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has created more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs in the past decade, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The regulator disclosed that the sector’s rapid growth has not only transformed the way Nigerians communicate but also contributed significantly to employment and the nation’s broader economic development.

The revelation came during a recent industry engagement in Abuja, where the NCC highlighted the telecom sector’s expanding role in Nigeria’s socio-economic advancement. Officials explained that with over 220 million active mobile lines, rising broadband penetration, and an ever-expanding digital ecosystem, the sector has become one of the country’s most consistent drivers of growth.

“The telecoms industry has become a critical enabler of Nigeria’s economy, creating more than half a million jobs while spurring opportunities across allied industries. From network maintenance and retail services to fintech, logistics, and digital content, the spillover impact is immense,” an NCC executive stated.

The sector has consistently contributed between 12 and 14 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in recent years, making it one of the most resilient non-oil sectors. Beyond its direct employment impact, the telecoms industry also drives productivity across sectors such as banking, e-commerce, education, health, and agriculture through digital solutions.

A breakdown of the jobs shows that thousands of Nigerians are engaged as engineers, technicians, IT specialists, customer service agents, marketers, and field support staff. Additionally, retail vendors, smartphone repairers, mobile money agents, and digital entrepreneurs make up a growing portion of indirect employment created by telecom expansion.

The NCC attributed the sector’s success to sustained investment by telecom operators, estimated at over $75 billion since the industry’s liberalisation in 2001. Companies such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Africa, Globacom, and 9mobile have steadily invested in network expansion, fibre optic infrastructure, and digital services, fuelling both connectivity and employment.

Recent initiatives, such as the rollout of 5G services and the drive to extend broadband to underserved communities, are expected to create additional opportunities. The commission noted that the digital economy’s growth requires skilled manpower for infrastructure deployment, cyber security, cloud services, and digital platforms, opening up new fields for Nigerian youths.

Labour analysts argue that the 500,000 figure demonstrates the potential of ICT and telecoms as a catalyst for job creation in an economy where unemployment remains a pressing challenge. They recommend deeper collaboration between government, telecom operators, and training institutions to align skill development with industry demand.

The NCC has already taken steps in this direction, rolling out capacity-building programmes for young Nigerians in areas such as digital literacy, cybersecurity, and software development. The regulator has also promoted entrepreneurship initiatives designed to empower startups leveraging telecom infrastructure for innovation.

While celebrating the achievements, the commission acknowledged that challenges remain. High operating costs, forex scarcity, vandalism of telecom infrastructure, multiple taxation by states, and regulatory bottlenecks continue to weigh on the sector. These obstacles not only increase the cost of services but also limit the ability of operators to scale up and create even more jobs.

Industry stakeholders have urged the government to treat telecom infrastructure as critical national assets, providing protection against vandalism and streamlining taxes to foster a friendlier investment climate. They argue that resolving these issues will unlock even greater job creation potential.

The NCC stressed that digital inclusion remains central to its mandate. As broadband penetration surpasses 50 percent, the commission is targeting universal access that ensures rural communities are not left behind. This, it says, will drive further employment through the rise of digital hubs, innovation clusters, and community-based enterprises.

Consumer groups, meanwhile, have welcomed the sector’s job creation success but urged the NCC and operators to focus on quality of service. They argue that while job creation is important, subscribers continue to face issues such as call drops, slow internet speeds, and high data costs. A more reliable network experience, they said, would deepen digital adoption and expand opportunities even further.

The telecoms sector’s strong performance comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. With millions of young people entering the labour market each year, stakeholders see ICT as a vital tool for tackling unemployment and boosting innovation-driven growth.

As the NCC continues to track the sector’s contribution, it pledged to work with operators and policymakers to sustain momentum. “The sector is not just about voice and data anymore; it is about the digital transformation of Nigeria’s economy,” the commission said. “We are proud of the jobs created so far, but our goal is to double that figure in the coming years.”

For now, the report reinforces the telecom industry’s status as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic economic pillars—one that connects people, drives innovation, and provides livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of citizens across the country.