The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that mobile network operators are deploying more than 12,000 new coverage and capacity sites across Nigeria to improve network quality and expand connectivity, with over 5,000 sites already completed.
This was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the Commission’s 109th Board Meeting held on May 25, 2026, where the Board reviewed developments in the telecommunications industry and adopted key resolutions aimed at strengthening service delivery, consumer protection, infrastructure expansion and digital inclusion.
According to the communiqué, operators have also extended fibre connectivity to more than 700 sites to improve network resilience, backhaul capacity and service reliability. In addition, infrastructure sharing companies have upgraded equipment across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support network expansion and improve compliance with quality of service obligations.
The Board noted significant progress in the implementation of its directive requiring mobile network operators to compensate customers affected by poor quality of service. It revealed that more than 75 million subscribers have so far received compensation following full compliance by operators, while the Commission continues to validate claims to ensure all eligible customers are covered.
However, the Board expressed concern that telecommunications infrastructure providers, particularly tower companies, have only partially complied with directives requiring them to reinvest regulatory fines into infrastructure upgrades through escrow-funded projects. It stressed the need for full compliance to achieve sustainable improvements in network performance.
On broadband development, the Board observed growing adoption of Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) services, with subscriber numbers rising from 84,141 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 as of the fifth quarter of 2025. It noted that expanding fixed broadband infrastructure would reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality and offer consumers more connectivity options.
The Board also highlighted the Commission’s ongoing review of the telecommunications market structure to align regulation with current industry realities. It noted that wider access to wholesale backbone fibre and expanded metropolitan fibre networks would help lower connectivity costs, improve network resilience and support more affordable retail data services.
Reaffirming its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and the Federal Government’s target of building a $1 trillion economy, the Board described fibre infrastructure expansion as the most sustainable approach to meeting the country’s growing data needs over the next decade.
The Board further expressed concern over the continued vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major impediment to industry growth. 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 and disclosed that it is exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
As part of efforts to promote digital inclusion and improve educational outcomes, the Board reviewed ongoing engagements on the development of a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content across the country, particularly to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
The Board also approved measures to strengthen governance at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI). It appointed Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, as Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board following the expiration of the tenure of the previous board leadership.
Additionally, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, were appointed as interim members of the DBI Governing Board.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the Commission’s commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive communications sector, with continued focus on quality of service, network resilience, consumer protection, transparency, fair competition and market discipline.
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