The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a sweeping roadmap to strengthen Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, revealing that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are deploying more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites nationwide while over 75 million subscribers have already received compensation for poor service experiences.
The disclosures formed part of the resolutions reached at the 109th Meeting of the Governing Board of the NCC held on May 25, 2026, where critical regulatory, strategic and industry development issues were reviewed in line with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Massive Network Expansion Underway
The Commission’s Board acknowledged what it described as unprecedented investment commitments by telecom operators aimed at expanding network coverage, boosting capacity and improving customer experience across the country.
According to the communiqué, operators have collectively planned the deployment of more than 12,000 new coverage and capacity sites nationwide, with over 5,000 sites already completed, representing a completion rate exceeding 40 percent.
The Board also noted significant improvements in transmission infrastructure, with fibre connectivity extended to more than 700 telecom sites. This development is expected to enhance network resilience, strengthen backhaul capacity and improve service reliability.
In addition, infrastructure-sharing companies and tower operators have upgraded equipment across more than 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), supporting operators’ network expansion efforts and helping improve compliance with Quality of Service (QoS) obligations.
Industry analysts say the scale of the investment demonstrates growing confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy despite persistent infrastructure and operating challenges.
75 Million Subscribers Receive Compensation
One of the landmark consumer protection initiatives highlighted by the Board was the implementation of directives requiring telecom operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor network quality.
The Board disclosed that more than 75 million subscribers have already benefited from compensation programmes implemented by operators in compliance with NCC directives.
While acknowledging the progress achieved, the Commission stated that it is independently validating operators’ claims to ensure that all eligible customers receive the compensation due to them.
The Board encouraged consumers to continue engaging with the Commission on service quality issues while assuring Nigerians of sustained regulatory oversight.
Tower Companies Face Compliance Pressure
The Commission also reviewed compliance levels among Tower Companies (TowerCos), which were directed to channel regulatory fines into infrastructure improvement projects through dedicated escrow accounts.
While noting partial compliance by the infrastructure providers, the Board emphasized the need for full implementation of the directive to ensure long-term improvements in network reliability and service delivery.
The NCC stressed that infrastructure reinvestment remains critical to reducing service disruptions and enhancing network performance nationwide.
Fibre Broadband Emerges as Strategic Priority
A major focus of the Board meeting was Nigeria’s rapidly growing data consumption and the urgent need to expand fibre infrastructure to meet increasing demand.
The Commission noted that current growth is being constrained by limited infrastructure capacity, excessive reliance on mobile internet services and duplication of network assets.
Encouragingly, Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscriptions recorded significant growth, rising from 84,141 subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 subscribers by the fifth quarter of 2025.
The Board observed that although fibre penetration remains relatively modest compared to national demand, the growth trend signals increasing acceptance of fixed broadband services among Nigerian households and businesses.
Experts believe wider deployment of fibre broadband will reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality, lower connectivity costs and provide consumers with more affordable and reliable internet options.
Market Review to Drive Competition and Affordability
The NCC also confirmed that it is reviewing the structure of Nigeria’s telecommunications market to reflect evolving industry realities.
The review will examine the distinct roles of wholesale and retail operators while ensuring that appropriate regulatory measures support fair competition and investment.
The Commission noted that expanded access to wholesale backbone fibre and metropolitan fibre networks would accelerate broadband penetration, encourage innovation and create conditions for more affordable retail data services.
According to the Board, this strategy represents the most sustainable pathway for meeting Nigeria’s rapidly expanding data requirements over the next decade.
NCC Moves Against Infrastructure Vandalism
The Board expressed concern over persistent vandalism and damage to telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major threat to sector growth and service reliability.
While commending ongoing interventions by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps following the designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Board called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders.
As part of efforts to address the challenge, the Commission is exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to enhance protection of critical telecommunications assets across the country.
Free Access to Educational Content Gains Momentum
In a move aimed at promoting digital inclusion and educational development, the Board reviewed ongoing engagements with industry stakeholders regarding the implementation of zero-rating for educational platforms and digital learning content.
The initiative seeks to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities, improve access to educational resources and support better learning outcomes nationwide.
If successfully implemented, students and educational institutions could access selected online learning resources without incurring data charges.
NCC Repositions Digital Bridge Institute
The Board also approved governance reforms at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the telecommunications sector’s training and capacity-building institution.
To address governance gaps arising from expired tenures of some board members, the Commission appointed Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, as Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board.
The Board further approved the appointments of Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, as interim members of the governing board.
The restructuring is expected to strengthen oversight and reposition the institute to play a more strategic role in developing digital skills needed for Nigeria’s technology-driven future.
Building the Foundation of a $1 Trillion Economy
At the conclusion of the meeting, the NCC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a sustainable, inclusive and resilient communications sector capable of driving Nigeria’s digital economy.
The Commission emphasized that priorities such as quality of service, network resilience, consumer protection, transparency, fair competition and market discipline will remain at the centre of its regulatory agenda.
With billions of naira flowing into network expansion, accelerating fibre deployment, stronger consumer protection measures and renewed focus on digital inclusion, the decisions taken at the Commission’s 109th Board Meeting are expected to significantly shape the future of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry and support the country’s broader economic transformation ambitions.
The NCC has unveiled major telecom reforms including deployment of 12,000 new network sites, compensation for over 75 million subscribers, expanded fibre broadband infrastructure and new measures to protect critical telecom assets.
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