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NCC Steps Up Action to Improve Quality of Service
As part of sustained efforts to enhance telecom service quality in Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved key spectrum reassignments and removed over 450 illegal signal boosters operating within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
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The Commission said the enforcement action forms part of broader regulatory measures aimed at strengthening service delivery, boosting accountability, and enforcing tougher sanctions against defaulting operators.
Illegal Signal Boosters Degrade Network Quality
According to the NCC, its enforcement teams dismantled more than 450 unauthorised signal boosters across the FCT after confirming that the devices significantly degraded network performance in surrounding areas.
“During 2025, the Commission’s enforcement teams removed over 450 illegal signal boosters across the Federal Capital Territory, devices that were found to significantly degrade network quality in surrounding areas,” the NCC stated.
Immediate Network Performance Gains Recorded
The regulator disclosed that follow-up assessments showed measurable improvements in network performance following the removal of the devices.
“At least 70 network sites recorded measurable performance gains following booster removal,” the Commission noted, citing crowd-sourced data, operator performance metrics and a noticeable decline in consumer complaints.
The NCC added that engagements are ongoing with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to prevent further importation of illegal signal boosters into the country.
Quality of Service a Core Priority for 2026
The NCC said resolving persistent Quality of Service (QoS) challenges remains a central focus of its strategic agenda for 2026.
According to the Commission, its evolving regulatory approach emphasises greater transparency, faster responsiveness, and visible service improvements, with expanded public access to performance information aimed at strengthening consumer confidence and compelling operators to enhance service quality.
Spectrum Reassignments Drive Network Expansion
To further improve spectrum efficiency and service delivery, the NCC approved multiple spectrum trades and reassignments, including the reallocation of about 50 MHz of previously underutilised spectrum for immediate network expansion.
These interventions, the Commission said, have translated into tangible performance improvements, as reflected in independent monthly reports since September 2025.
Globacom Records Significant 4G Speed Improvement
The NCC highlighted a specific gain resulting from spectrum optimisation, noting that the reassignment of an additional contiguous 10 MHz to Globacom increased its average 4G download speeds from 9.5 Mbps to about 15 Mbps by November/December 2025.
Protecting Telecom Infrastructure Nationwide
On infrastructure protection, the NCC disclosed ongoing implementation of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Executive Order within the telecom sector.
The Commission said its multi-layered approach includes:
- Enforcing minimum compliance standards
- Conducting nationwide public awareness campaigns
- Strengthening stakeholder collaboration
- Institutionalising mediation for dispute resolution
- Applying enforcement measures where necessary
Stakeholder Engagement and Mediation Yield Results
In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the NCC said it has engaged key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, Judiciary, Federal Ministry of Works, State Attorneys-General, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The Commission reported successful mediation outcomes already recorded in Kogi, Bauchi and Osun States, with plans to extend collaboration to State Ministries of Works.
Over N10 Billion Refunded for Failed Airtime and Data Transactions
The NCC also revealed ongoing collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), mobile network operators and financial service providers to resolve issues related to failed airtime and data recharge transactions.
“Through this collaborative framework, mechanisms for transaction tracing, dispute resolution and timely consumer refunds are being formalised,” the Commission said.
It disclosed that the initiative has already facilitated consumer refunds exceeding ₦10 billion, helping to restore confidence in digital payment systems.
Smarter Data Management Campaign Reduces Complaints
The telecom regulator said it continues to implement the Smarter Data Management Consumer Awareness Campaign in collaboration with a joint industry committee.
The campaign promotes efficient data usage, conservation practices and behavioural adjustments to reduce passive data consumption linked to higher network speeds and advanced devices.
Since its launch, the campaign has coincided with a decline in data depletion-related complaints and will remain active through 2026, with materials disseminated across multiple media platforms and major Nigerian languages.
Nigeria Unveils First Structured Spectrum Roadmap
To strengthen long-term planning, the NCC announced the development of Nigeria’s first structured Spectrum Roadmap for the communications sector.
According to the Commission, the roadmap provides strategic direction on:
- Spectrum utilisation
- Future spectrum assignments
- Refarming initiatives
- Flexible access models
The roadmap is expected to support expanding connectivity, emerging technologies, improved consumer experience, and proactive monitoring of spectrum utilisation to address persistent underuse.
