The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC says telecommunications operators have completed more than 5,000 of the over 12,000 new network coverage and capacity sites planned across the country as part of ongoing efforts to improve service quality and meet growing consumer demand.
The disclosure 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 industry developments, regulatory matters, and strategic initiatives affecting Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and digital economy.
According to the Board, the deployment represents over 40 per cent completion of the planned network expansion programme being undertaken by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to enhance coverage, increase capacity, and improve the overall quality of user experience.
The Board also noted that fibre connectivity has been extended to more than 700 network sites nationwide, strengthening transmission infrastructure, network resilience, and service reliability. In addition, colocation and infrastructure sharing companies have upgraded equipment at over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support network expansion and compliance with quality-of-service obligations.
On consumer protection, the Board reviewed the implementation of the Commission’s directive requiring telecommunications operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor service delivery in areas where prescribed service standards were not met.
It noted that more than 75 million subscribers have so far received compensation following full compliance by operators, while independent validation of the compensation process is ongoing to ensure that all eligible customers benefit from the initiative.
The Board, however, expressed concern that some tower companies have only partially complied with directives requiring them to reinvest regulatory fines into infrastructure improvements through escrow-funded projects. It stressed the need for full compliance to achieve the intended improvements in network quality and resilience.
The Commission also examined Nigeria’s rising data consumption trends and observed that infrastructure limitations, reliance on mobile internet services, and duplication of network assets continue to constrain growth and affect service quality.
Despite these challenges, the Board welcomed the growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscriptions, which rose from 84,141 subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 subscribers by the fifth quarter of 2025.
According to the Board, expanding fibre broadband infrastructure remains critical to reducing pressure on mobile networks, improving connectivity options, lowering long-term data costs, and supporting the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and aspiration of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The Board also acknowledged persistent challenges posed by infrastructure vandalism, which continues to affect industry operations despite the designation of telecommunications infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
While commending ongoing efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect telecom facilities, the Board called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and revealed that the Commission is exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to enhance infrastructure protection.
In another development, the Board reviewed ongoing consultations with industry stakeholders on the proposed zero-rating of educational platforms and digital learning content. The initiative is aimed at promoting digital inclusion, improving educational outcomes, and bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
The meeting also considered the future of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the NCC-owned training institution established in 2004 to build capacity in telecommunications and information technology.
Following the expiration of the tenure of some members of the DBI Governing Board, the Commission approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, as Interim Chairman of the Institute’s 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 Board.
According to the NCC, the appointments are part of broader efforts to reposition the Institute to play a more strategic role in developing the technical skills required for Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive communications sector, while prioritising quality of service, network resilience, consumer protection, transparency, fair competition, and market discipline.
