COMMUNICATIONS

Communications

The first newspaper was founded in Lagos in the 1830s. Today, Nigerians
choose from dozens of daily and weekly newspapers published across the
country, most in English, but several in Nigerian languages,
especially Hausa and Yoruba. The Daily Times, published in Lagos, is the
newspaper with the largest circulation. Despite sporadic government censorship
and partial government ownership of some newspapers, the press has
remained relatively free and has often been outspoken in its criticism of
the government.

The national government began broadcasting in 1957, when it established
a chain of radio stations. Most of the country’s numerous radio and
television stations continue to be operated by the government. Programs
are available in English, Hausa, Yoruba, and several other Nigerian
languages. The country’s international radio service, Voice of Nigeria,
also broadcasts in several languages.

In 2003 there were only 6.9 telephone mainlines for every 1,000 people
in Nigeria. About one-third of the telephones were in Lagos. Major
cities in all parts of the country are linked by a system of domestic
satellites, microwave towers, and coaxial cables.