More than 75 million telecommunications subscribers have received compensation for poor quality of service, while mobile network operators have deployed over 5,000 new network sites as part of efforts to improve connectivity across Nigeria, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The disclosures were made in a communiqué issued following the 109th meeting of the NCC Board, which reviewed developments in the telecommunications sector and outlined measures aimed at strengthening network quality, broadband penetration and infrastructure security.
The Board noted that mobile network operators have committed to deploying more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites nationwide, with over 5,000 already completed, representing more than 40 per cent of the planned rollout.
It also reported that fibre connectivity has been extended to over 700 sites, improving network resilience, backhaul capacity and service reliability. In addition, co-location and infrastructure-sharing companies have upgraded equipment across more than 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support network expansion and enhance service delivery.
On consumer protection, the Board reviewed the implementation of its directive requiring operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor service quality in areas where regulatory standards were not met. It noted that operators have substantially complied with the directive, resulting in compensation being offered to more than 75 million affected subscribers.
The Commission said it is continuing efforts to independently verify operators’ claims and ensure that all eligible subscribers receive the compensation due to them.
The Board, however, expressed concern over the level of compliance by tower companies directed to reinvest regulatory fines into infrastructure upgrades. While acknowledging progress, it stressed the need for full compliance to ensure sustainable improvements in network quality and resilience.
The Board also examined data consumption trends and observed that increasing demand for internet services continues to outpace infrastructure growth, with network performance affected by limited capacity, dependence on mobile internet connectivity and duplication of infrastructure assets.
Despite these challenges, fibre broadband adoption recorded significant growth during the review period. Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscriptions increased from 84,141 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 by the fifth quarter of 2025, reflecting growing consumer interest in fixed broadband services.
According to the Board, expanding fixed-fibre infrastructure will help reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality and provide consumers with more reliable connectivity options. It added that broader access to wholesale backbone fibre and metropolitan fibre networks would ultimately lower connectivity costs and support more affordable retail data services.
It reaffirmed that sustained investment in fibre infrastructure remains critical to meeting Nigeria’s growing data requirements and supporting the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.
Addressing the issue of infrastructure vandalism, it described attacks on telecommunications facilities as a major threat to industry growth and service reliability. While commending the efforts of 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), it called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard network assets.
It also disclosed that the Commission is exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to strengthen the protection of telecommunications infrastructure nationwide.
In another development, it reviewed ongoing consultations with industry stakeholders on the proposed zero-rating of educational platforms and digital learning content. The initiative is aimed at improving digital inclusion, narrowing the urban-rural digital divide and enhancing educational outcomes through greater access to online learning resources.
The Board further approved changes to the governance structure of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) following the expiration of the tenure of its chairman and some board members. To strengthen oversight and reposition the institute, Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, was appointed Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board.
Also appointed as interim members of the board are Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management.
The NCC said it remains committed to promoting a sustainable and inclusive communications sector through improved quality of service, stronger consumer protection, enhanced network resilience, fair competition and greater transparency across the industry.
Reporting By Chioma Ezike