The Governing Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commended telecommunications operators for increased investment in network expansion, infrastructure upgrades and service improvement as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow.
The Board’s commendation was one of the major outcomes of the NCC’s 109th Board Meeting held on May 25, 2026, where members reviewed developments across the telecommunications sector, regulatory reforms and key challenges affecting digital connectivity in Nigeria.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting, mobile network operators (MNOs) have committed to deploying more than 12,000 additional network coverage and capacity sites nationwide to improve service quality and customer experience.
The Board noted that more than 5,000 of the planned sites have already been completed, representing over 40 per cent progress toward the target.
Telecom Infrastructure Expansion Accelerates
The Commission also disclosed that fibre connectivity has been extended to more than 700 telecom sites, strengthening network resilience, improving backhaul capacity and enhancing service reliability.
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 requirements.
The Board said the investments were critical to meeting rising demand for voice and data services, particularly as Nigerians increasingly depend on digital platforms for business, education and daily activities.
Over 75 Million Subscribers Receive Service Compensation
On consumer protection, the Board reviewed compliance with directives requiring operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor network quality.
The Commission reported that more than 75 million subscribers had received compensation following implementation by telecom operators, while noting that verification processes would continue to ensure all eligible customers benefit.
The NCC encouraged consumers to continue engaging with the regulator by reporting service challenges and monitoring improvements in network performance.
Data Demand Puts Pressure on Networks
The Board expressed concern over rising data consumption, noting that demand for connectivity is growing faster than infrastructure capacity in some areas.
It attributed the pressure partly to Nigeria’s heavy reliance on mobile internet services and duplication of telecom infrastructure.
However, the Commission welcomed 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 fifth quarter of 2025.
The NCC said wider fibre deployment would reduce congestion on mobile networks, improve broadband quality and give consumers more reliable connectivity options.
NCC Reviews Market Structure, Infrastructure Protection
The Board said it is reviewing Nigeria’s telecom market structure to better define wholesale and retail roles and ensure stronger regulatory oversight.
The Commission added that increased access to wholesale backbone fibre and metropolitan fibre networks would help reduce connectivity costs, improve affordability and strengthen national digital infrastructure.
The Board also identified vandalism of telecom infrastructure as a major threat to sector growth.
While recognising ongoing efforts by security agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, to protect telecom assets classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Board called for stronger collaboration.
It said plans were being considered for the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to support infrastructure protection.
DBI Gets Interim Leadership Structure
The NCC Board also approved leadership changes at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) as part of efforts to reposition the institution for Nigeria’s digital future.
Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, was appointed 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 board members.
The appointments are aimed at addressing governance gaps following the expiration of some board tenures and strengthening DBI’s role in digital skills development, research and innovation.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to building a sustainable and inclusive communications sector through improved service quality, consumer protection, infrastructure investment and fair competition.
The Commission said continued collaboration among government, operators and stakeholders would be essential to achieving a resilient digital economy.
