The Governing Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commended telecommunications operators for ongoing investments aimed at improving network coverage, capacity and service quality across the country.
This was one of the key outcomes of the Commission’s 109th Board Meeting held on May 25, 2026, where members reviewed industry developments, regulatory initiatives and strategic issues affecting Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and digital economy.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, mobile network operators (MNOs) have committed to deploying more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites to improve customer experience nationwide.
The Board noted that over 5,000 of the planned sites have already been completed, representing more than 40 per cent of the target.
The Board also highlighted progress in transmission infrastructure development, revealing that fibre connectivity has been extended to more than 700 sites to enhance network resilience, backhaul capacity and service reliability.
In addition, infrastructure sharing companies and tower operators have upgraded equipment at over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support network expansion and improve compliance with quality of service obligations.
On consumer protection, the Board reviewed the implementation of directives requiring telecom operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor quality of service. It noted that more than 75 million subscribers had received compensation following full compliance by operators.
The Commission said it would continue validating operators’ claims to ensure that all eligible subscribers receive due compensation while encouraging consumers to maintain engagement with the regulator.
The Board, however, expressed concern over the partial compliance of infrastructure providers with directives requiring them to channel regulatory fines into infrastructure upgrades through escrow accounts.
While acknowledging progress, it stressed the need for full compliance to achieve sustainable improvements in service delivery.
The Board also examined data consumption trends in Nigeria and observed that growing demand for data services continues to outpace infrastructure capacity. It attributed the challenge to heavy reliance on mobile internet connectivity and duplication of infrastructure assets.
Despite these constraints, the Board welcomed the growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscriptions, which rose from 84,141 subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 subscribers by the fifth quarter of 2025.
It noted that broader deployment of fibre infrastructure would reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality and provide consumers with more connectivity options.
The Commission further disclosed that it is reviewing the telecommunications market structure to better reflect the roles of wholesale and retail operators and ensure the application of appropriate regulatory measures.
It added that expanded access to wholesale backbone fibre and metropolitan fibre networks would ultimately lower connectivity costs, improve affordability and strengthen network resilience.
Addressing security concerns, the Board identified infrastructure vandalism as a major challenge affecting the sector. While acknowledging efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect telecommunications assets following their designation as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), it called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
To bolster infrastructure protection, the Board said it would explore the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
The Board also reviewed ongoing consultations on a framework for the zero-rating of educational platforms and content. The initiative is expected to improve digital inclusion, bridge the urban-rural digital divide and support better educational outcomes across the country.
In a significant governance decision, the Board approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, as Interim Chairman of the Governing Board of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).
The Board also approved the appointments of Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, as interim members of the DBI Governing Board.
According to the Board, the appointments are aimed at addressing governance gaps arising from the expiration of the tenure of some board members and repositioning the institute to play a more effective role in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the Commission to promote a sustainable, inclusive and resilient communications sector, with continued emphasis on quality of service, consumer protection, transparency, fair competition and market discipline.
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