The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have deployed 8,526 out of the 12,179 network coverage and capacity sites committed to expanding telecommunications services across the country.
The figure represented approximately 70 per cent of the commitments made by operators and marks significant progress from the roughly 5,000 sites reported at the Commission’s previous Board meeting.
The NCC Governing Board disclosed this at its 110th meeting held on September 9, 2026, where it reviewed strategic priorities, operational performance and developments in the telecommunications industry.
The Board, however, expressed concern over the impact of fibre cuts on network reliability, noting that they contributed to a sharp rise in network disruptions in June.
It stressed that the ongoing expansion of telecommunications infrastructure must be matched by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure to improve network resilience, coverage and quality of service.
The Board also reviewed measures being implemented by the Commission to strengthen digital trust and security across the telecommunications ecosystem.
It noted that the Device Management System (DMS) is now live and is supporting enhanced compliance with type-approval requirements through technology.
According to the Board, the system will improve the Commission’s ability to verify device compliance, discourage the circulation of non-compliant devices and support efforts to combat mobile device theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian networks.
The Board further disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), alongside its associated business rules, is scheduled to go live in October 2026.
TIRMS is expected to strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, while reducing risks associated with the misuse, reassignment and recycling of such identities, particularly as mobile numbers become increasingly linked to financial, social and other digital services.
On digital inclusion, the Board reviewed progress towards zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria, an initiative designed to improve students’ access to digital learning resources.
It commended the collaboration between the NCC, the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, noting that the initiative was officially launched on September 10, 2026, with October 1, 2026 scheduled as the go-live date.
The Board also considered the proposed strategic repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), including the development of a roadmap to strengthen its relevance and long-term sustainability.
As part of the proposed exercise, two independent consultancies are expected to be engaged. One will undertake a comprehensive audit of DBI’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position, while the second will assess the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning initiative.
Meanwhile, the Board raised fresh concerns over the resurgence of call masking activities in the telecommunications industry, describing the practice as a serious regulatory concern with implications for the integrity, security and orderly development of the sector.
It reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance position on call masking, stressing that the practice undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes economic sabotage capable of adversely affecting the national economy.
The Commission reaffirmed its resolve to work with relevant security and law-enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking activities.
The Board concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to transparency and regulatory measures that promote network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
