The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has reassured the citizens of Nigeria that the ongoing investments and regulatory measures in the telecommunications sector are starting to produce enhancements in service quality throughout the nation.
In a statement released by the Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the NCC recognised the increasing public apprehension regarding inadequate call quality, sluggish internet speeds, unreliable data services, and network interruptions impacting consumers in various regions of the country.
The Commission emphasised that telecommunications services have become essential for business, education, healthcare, and daily communication, asserting that consumers are entitled to dependable services and value for their money.
As stated by the NCC, enhancing Quality of Service has remained a primary regulatory focus over the last two years, with heightened oversight of Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers, and Tower Companies to tackle structural issues hindering service delivery.
The Commission revealed that telecom operators made significant investments in infrastructure improvements in 2025, with Mobile Network Operators allocating over N2.13 trillion, while Tower Companies dedicated an additional N373.8 billion to network expansion and modernisation initiatives nationwide.
It noted that these investments resulted in the addition and enhancement of more than 2,800 telecom sites, including the deployment of faster 4G and 5G services, expansion of fibre backhaul, and increased network capacity in urban and underserved areas.
The NCC further disclosed that the sector’s expansion efforts are ongoing in 2026, with operators pledging to deploy and upgrade over 12,000 additional sites throughout the year. It also mentioned that nearly 3,000 sites have already been completed, along with the rollout of more than 730 new 5G sites across 27 states.
The Commission has also emphasised its initiatives to enhance spectrum efficiency by reallocating and restructuring unused radio spectrum among leading operators, with the goal of improving network performance and service quality.
As per the NCC, recent Quality of Service evaluations reveal gradual enhancements in network coverage, capacity, and internet download speeds. It observed that 4G penetration rose from 45 percent in January 2024 to 54 percent at present, while median download speeds increased from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps.
However, the regulator acknowledged that certain regions continue to suffer from inadequate service quality, congestion, and unstable connectivity, asserting that operators must expedite their improvement efforts.
The Commission also pointed out external factors impacting network performance, such as vandalism, theft of telecommunications infrastructure, frequent fibre cuts, and power-related interruptions.
It reported that over 27,000 preventable fibre-cut incidents were documented in 2025 alone, primarily associated with road construction activities and vandalism, which directly affect network availability and consumer experience.
To tackle this issue, the NCC stated it is working in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser and relevant stakeholders to implement the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure and to combat the activities of criminal groups involved in telecom equipment theft.
Furthermore, the Commission indicated that operators are now required to promptly inform consumers during significant service outages and to restore services within designated timeframes. It mentioned that outage reports are being recorded through its Major Network Outages Reporting Portal.
The NCC reiterated that the enforcement of the Quality of Service Regulations 2024 commenced in November 2025, cautioning that operators who fail to meet the expected service standards will face regulatory penalties, including consumer compensation measures and additional investment requirements.
The Commission urged federal, state, and local governments, along with host communities, to assist in initiatives focused on safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure and fostering a conducive environment for ongoing investment in the sector.
“The expectation is unequivocal: the industry is now required to provide tangible enhancements, and the Commission will persist in enforcing compliance for the benefit of consumers and the broader economy,” the statement further noted.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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