The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has acknowledged significant investments by mobile network operators aimed at improving network quality, revealing that operators have planned the deployment of more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites across the country.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Commission’s 109th Board Meeting held on May 25, 2026, where members reviewed key regulatory, strategic and operational developments in the telecommunications sector.
According to the Board, over 5,000 of the planned sites have already been completed, representing more than 40 per cent of the target. It also noted continued expansion of transmission infrastructure, with fibre connectivity extended to over 700 sites to improve network resilience, backhaul capacity and service reliability.
The Board further disclosed that co-location and infrastructure-sharing licensees, commonly known as TowerCos, have upgraded equipment across more than 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support operators’ network expansion programmes and improve compliance with Quality of Service (QoS) obligations.
75 Million Subscribers Compensated
The Board reviewed the implementation of the Commission’s directive requiring mobile network operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor quality of service in locations where prescribed service standards were not met.
It noted that full compliance by operators had resulted in compensation being offered to more than 75 million affected subscribers.
The Commission said it is independently validating operators’ claims to ensure that all eligible customers receive the compensation due to them and encouraged consumers to continue engaging with the regulator.
On infrastructure providers, however, the Board observed only partial compliance with directives requiring TowerCos to fund escrow accounts with the full value of regulatory fines earmarked for infrastructure reinvestment.
While acknowledging progress made so far, the Board stressed the need for full compliance to ensure sustainable infrastructure improvements.
NCC Backs Fibre Expansion
The Board also reviewed data consumption trends and observed that although demand for broadband services continues to rise rapidly, growth has been constrained by inadequate infrastructure capacity, heavy dependence on mobile internet access and duplication of network assets.
It highlighted the growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, which increased from 84,141 subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 subscribers by the end of the fifth quarter of 2025.
According to the Board, wider deployment of FTTH and other fixed-fibre broadband connections would help reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality and provide consumers with more connectivity options.
The Board also noted that the NCC is reviewing the telecommunications market structure to better reflect current industry realities, including the distinct roles of wholesale and retail service providers.
It said expanded access to wholesale backbone fibre and metropolitan fibre networks would support broader broadband penetration, reduce connectivity costs over time and enhance network resilience.
The Board reaffirmed that fibre expansion remains critical to meeting Nigeria’s growing data requirements and supporting the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and aspiration to build a $1 trillion economy.
Concern Over Infrastructure Vandalism
The NCC Board expressed concern over the persistent vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major challenge affecting industry growth.
While commending the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for efforts to protect telecom assets following their designation as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Board called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating initiatives aimed at strengthening infrastructure security, including exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
Educational Content Zero-Rating Under Review
The Board disclosed that discussions are ongoing with industry stakeholders on a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content.
The initiative, according to the communiqué, is designed to promote digital inclusion, bridge the urban-rural digital divide and improve educational outcomes across the country.
DBI Board Reconstituted
As part of efforts to strengthen governance at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the NCC Board approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the Commission, as Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board.
The Board also approved the appointment of Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, as interim members of the governing board.
The appointments follow the expiration of the tenure of the previous chairman and some members of the DBI Board.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by the Commission to promote a sustainable and inclusive communications sector, with continued emphasis on quality of service, network resilience, consumer protection and the advancement of Nigeria’s digital economy.
