By George Ozalla
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that mobile network operators across the country are implementing major infrastructure expansion projects, with more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites planned to improve service delivery and customer experience nationwide.
The Commission made this known in a communiqué issued following its 109th Board Meeting held on May 25, 2026, where members reviewed developments in the telecommunications sector and considered key regulatory, strategic and industry matters affecting Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to the communiqué, over 5,000 of the planned network sites have already been completed, representing more than 40 per cent progress toward the operators’ deployment targets.
The Board noted that transmission infrastructure has also continued to expand, with fibre connectivity extended to over 700 sites to strengthen network resilience, improve backhaul capacity and enhance service reliability across the country.
It further observed that colocation and infrastructure sharing licensees have continued investing in network upgrades, deploying new equipment across more than 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support operators’ expansion programmes and improve compliance with quality of service obligations.
The Board also reviewed the implementation of the Commission’s directive requiring Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to compensate subscribers affected by poor quality of service in locations where prescribed service standards were not achieved.
It noted substantial progress in the exercise, revealing that more than 75 million affected subscribers have received compensation following full compliance by operators with the directive.
The Commission stated that independent validation of operators’ claims is ongoing to ensure that all eligible subscribers receive appropriate compensation while encouraging consumers to continue engaging with the regulator on service-related concerns.
On infrastructure providers, the Board observed partial compliance by Tower Companies (TowerCos) with directives requiring regulatory fines to be deposited into escrow accounts for infrastructure reinvestment.
While acknowledging progress recorded so far, the Board stressed the importance of full compliance to guarantee sustainable improvements in network infrastructure and service delivery.
The meeting also examined data consumption trends in Nigeria and expressed concern that growing demand for internet services continues to outpace available infrastructure capacity.
According to the Board, reliance on mobile internet connectivity and duplication of network assets have contributed to quality of service challenges despite increasing demand for digital services.
However, it noted encouraging growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscriptions, which rose from 84,141 subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 subscribers by the end of the following reporting period.
The Board stated that wider deployment of fixed broadband infrastructure would help reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality and provide consumers with more reliable connectivity options.
It further noted that the Commission is reviewing the structure of the telecommunications market to reflect evolving realities within the wholesale and retail segments of the industry.
According to the Board, increased access to wholesale backbone fibre and expanded metropolitan fibre networks would support wider broadband penetration for homes, businesses and institutions while reducing underlying connectivity costs and improving network resilience.
The Commission maintained that sustained fibre infrastructure expansion remains critical to meeting Nigeria’s growing data requirements and supporting the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda, including its aspiration of building a one trillion dollar economy.
The Board also expressed concern over persistent cases of telecommunications infrastructure vandalism, describing the trend as a major challenge affecting industry growth and service delivery.
While commending efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps following the designation of telecommunications facilities as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Board called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard network assets across the country.
It further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to advancing initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure security, including consideration of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
On digital inclusion, the Board reviewed ongoing consultations with industry stakeholders on the development of a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and digital learning content.
The initiative, according to the Commission, is designed to expand access to educational resources, bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities and improve learning outcomes nationwide.
The meeting also considered governance issues affecting the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), following the expiration of the tenure of its Board Chairman and some members.
To strengthen oversight and reposition the institute for greater contribution to Nigeria’s digital economy, the Board approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board.
It also approved the appointment of Abraham Oshadami and Rimini Makama as interim members of the governing board.
The Board concluded the meeting by reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to promoting a sustainable, inclusive and resilient communications sector, with continued emphasis on quality of service, consumer protection, transparency, fair competition and market discipline as key pillars of Nigeria’s digital economy growth.
