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Telecommunications operators have completed more than 5,000 of the over 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites planned nationwide, while more than 75 million subscribers have been offered compensation for poor quality of service experiences, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed.
The decision was reached at the 109th meeting of the NCC Governing Board held on May 25, 2026, and contained in a communiqué dated May 29, 2026, which was made available to Daily Sun.
According to the communiqué, the Board reviewed developments in the telecommunications sector and noted significant investments by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) aimed at improving network coverage, capacity and overall quality of experience for consumers across the country.
The Board disclosed that operators had planned the deployment of more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites nationwide, with over 5,000 already completed, representing more than 40 per cent of the targeted rollout.
It also noted that transmission infrastructure continued to improve, with fibre connectivity extended to more than 700 sites to strengthen network resilience, boost backhaul capacity and improve service reliability.
In addition, co-location and infrastructure-sharing licensees were said to have sustained investments in infrastructure upgrades by deploying new equipment across more than 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 the Commission’s directive requiring Mobile Network Operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor quality of service in locations where prescribed standards were not met.
The communiqué stated that operators had substantially complied with the directive, resulting in compensation being offered to more than 75 million affected subscribers nationwide.
The Board, however, said efforts were ongoing to independently validate operators’ claims and ensure that all eligible subscribers receive the compensation due to them.
While reviewing compliance by infrastructure providers, the Board observed that tower companies had only partially complied with the directive requiring them to fund escrow accounts with the full value of regulatory fines earmarked for infrastructure reinvestment.
It stressed the need for full compliance to guarantee sustainable improvements in telecommunications infrastructure and service delivery.
The Board also considered data consumption trends in Nigeria and noted that growing demand for data services continues to place pressure on existing infrastructure.
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According to the communiqué, infrastructure limitations, heavy dependence on mobile internet connectivity and duplication of network assets have continued to constrain growth and affect service quality.
However, the Board welcomed 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 as of the period under review.
It said broader deployment of fixed broadband infrastructure would reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality and provide consumers with more connectivity options.
The Board further noted the Commission’s ongoing review of the telecommunications market structure to align regulation with current market realities, including the distinct roles of wholesale and retail service providers.
It expressed optimism that expanded access to wholesale backbone fibre and metropolitan fibre networks would lower connectivity costs, encourage more affordable retail data services and strengthen network resilience.
Addressing challenges facing the industry, the Board identified infrastructure vandalism as a major threat to telecommunications operations and acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to protect telecommunications facilities following their designation as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
To strengthen infrastructure security, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating initiatives aimed at protecting network assets, including exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
The communiqué also revealed that the Commission is engaging industry stakeholders on a framework for the zero-rating of educational platforms and content to promote digital inclusion, bridge the urban-rural digital divide and improve educational outcomes across the country.
Meanwhile, 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).
It 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.
The Board reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive communications sector capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital economy, adding that priorities such as quality of service, network resilience, consumer protection, transparency, fair competition and market discipline would continue to receive attention.
