NCC intensifies drive to fix network quality, boost infrastructure and skills as 75 million subscribers receive compensation

By Osasome, C.O

NCC Pushes Consumer-Centric Reforms to Improve Network Quality

Nigeria’s telecoms regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has disclosed that over 75 million subscribers have been compensated by telecommunications operators for poor quality of service, following a regulatory directive issued in March 2026.

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The disclosure was contained in a communiqué released after the NCC’s 109th Board Meeting held on May 25, where the Commission reviewed compliance levels and assessed broader challenges confronting Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

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According to the regulator, the compensation exercise reflects a deliberate strategy to strengthen consumer protection, service accountability and regulatory enforcement across the telecommunications sector.

Over 12,000 New Network Sites to Address QoS and Capacity Gaps

As part of efforts to tackle persistent service quality challenges, the NCC revealed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are undertaking large-scale infrastructure expansion, including the planned deployment of over 12,000 new coverage and capacity sites nationwide.

The Board noted that:

More than 5,000 sites have already been completed, representing over 40 per cent progress
The new sites are expected to improve network coverage, capacity and quality of experience
Fibre connectivity has been extended to over 700 sites, strengthening backhaul capacity and network resilience

In addition, infrastructure-sharing and colocation companies have upgraded equipment across more than 2,000 base stations, reinforcing compliance with quality-of-service (QoS) standards.

Tower Companies Directed to Reinvest Fines into Infrastructure

The NCC Board also reviewed compliance by tower companies with directives requiring regulatory fines to be channeled into network improvement projects through escrow arrangements.

While acknowledging progress, the Commission expressed concern over partial compliance and stressed that full funding of escrow accounts is critical to achieving sustainable infrastructure upgrades and improved service reliability.

Expanding Fibre Broadband to Ease Pressure on Mobile Networks

Recognising the limits of mobile-only connectivity, the NCC reaffirmed its strategic focus on expanding fixed broadband infrastructure, particularly Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH).

The Board noted that FTTH subscriptions increased from:

84,141 in Q4 2025
to 210,065 by Q5 2025

Although still modest relative to national demand, the growth was described as encouraging. According to the NCC, wider fibre deployment will:

Reduce congestion on mobile networks
Improve service quality
Lower long-term connectivity costs
Support businesses and Nigeria’s expanding digital economy

The Commission also confirmed it is reviewing the telecoms market structure, including wholesale and retail segmentation, to ensure regulation reflects current market realities and supports long-term sustainability.

Protecting Telecom Infrastructure as Critical National Assets

Infrastructure vandalism remains a major constraint on service quality and sector growth, despite telecom assets being designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

The NCC acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect telecom facilities.

However, the Commission stressed the need for deeper collaboration among industry players. It also disclosed plans to explore the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund. The fund is intended to strengthen infrastructure protection nationwide.

Building Skilled Manpower for Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Beyond infrastructure, the Board underscored the importance of human capital development to sustain Nigeria’s digital transformation.

As part of this strategy, the NCC approved governance reforms at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), appointing Ms. Princess Emiko as Interim Chairman of its Governing Board. The move is aimed at repositioning DBI to play a stronger role in digital skills development, sector capacity building and innovation support.

Zero-Rating Education Content to Deepen Digital Inclusion

In line with its inclusive digital economy agenda, the NCC Board also reviewed ongoing industry engagements to zero-rate educational platforms and content.

The initiative is designed to:

Promote digital inclusion
Bridge urban–rural connectivity gaps
Improve access to education and learning outcomes

Sustaining Investment and Sector Growth

With over 200 million mobile subscriptions, Nigeria remains Africa’s largest telecoms market. According to the NCC, sustained investment from operators alongside robust regulation is vital to addressing growing data demand. The Commission stressed that this combination is necessary to achieve Nigeria’s goal of building a $1 trillion digital-enabled economy.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to: