By George Ozalla
The Governing Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported significant progress in the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across the country, with 8,526 of the 12,179 network coverage and capacity sites committed by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) now deployed.
The Board disclosed this at its 110th meeting held on September 9, 2026, where it reviewed the performance of the telecommunications industry, ongoing regulatory initiatives and measures aimed at improving network reliability, digital security and access to online educational resources.
The 8,526 sites deployed represent approximately 70 per cent of the commitments made by the operators. The figure marks a substantial increase from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at the Board’s previous meeting.
The development was welcomed by the Board as evidence of accelerated investment in network coverage and capacity, although it stressed that the expansion must be matched with stronger measures to protect critical telecommunications infrastructure.
The Board particularly expressed concern over the effect of fibre cuts on network performance, noting that the incidents contributed to a sharp increase in network disruptions in June.
It therefore called for sustained attention to network resilience and service reliability as operators continue to expand their infrastructure and improve the quality of telecommunications services nationwide.
The Board also reviewed the Commission’s progress in deploying technology platforms designed to strengthen security, regulatory compliance and trust within the telecommunications sector and the wider digital economy.
One of the major developments considered was the Device Management System (DMS), which the Board noted is now live.
According to the Board, the DMS is designed to strengthen compliance with type approval requirements by improving the Commission’s ability to verify whether telecommunications devices meet approved standards.
The system is also expected to help curb the circulation of non-compliant devices in the Nigerian market and assist efforts to combat mobile phone theft.
Through the system, reported stolen mobile devices can be identified and blocked across Nigerian telecommunications networks, making it more difficult for stolen phones to be used on local networks.
The Board also considered the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), which is scheduled to go live in October 2026.
TIRMS, together with its associated business rules, is expected to strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and address risks associated with the misuse, reassignment and recycling of such identities.
The Board noted that the issue has become increasingly important because mobile numbers are now linked to financial services, social platforms and several other digital services.
It stressed that the deployment of the regulatory technology platforms must protect consumers while supporting lawful digital services, market integrity and compliance with applicable legal, privacy and data protection requirements.
The Board also reviewed progress towards the zero-rating of educational platforms and content in Nigeria, an initiative being developed by the NCC in collaboration with telecommunications operators, the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders.
The initiative is intended to make educational platforms and digital learning materials more accessible to students by reducing or eliminating the data charges associated with accessing approved educational content.
The Board commended the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their cooperation in developing the framework and noted that the initiative was scheduled for official launch on September 10, 2026.
The Go-Live date for the zero-rating initiative was fixed for October 1, 2026, with the Board stressing that its implementation would be monitored to ensure that it delivers sustainable benefits to students and promotes wider digital inclusion.
Another major issue before the Board was the proposed strategic repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), an institution associated with the NCC and focused on digital skills development and capacity building.
The Board considered a report and recommendations on the proposed repositioning of DBI, including the development of a strategic roadmap intended to strengthen the institute’s relevance and long-term sustainability.
It noted a phased approach to the exercise and considered proposals for two independent consultancies to support the process.
Under the proposal, the first consultancy would conduct a comprehensive assessment of the institute, covering its structure, operations, human resources and institutional position.
The second consultancy would examine the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning programme.
The Board also examined the resurgence of call masking activities within the telecommunications industry and expressed concern over their implications for the security, integrity and orderly development of the sector.
It restated the Commission’s zero-tolerance position on call masking, describing the practice as unacceptable and a serious regulatory concern.
The Board noted that call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and could adversely affect the national economy.
It consequently resolved to strengthen collaboration with relevant security and law-enforcement agencies as well as telecommunications industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking activities.
The Board’s deliberations at the meeting covered a broad range of issues affecting the country’s telecommunications ecosystem, from network expansion and service reliability to device compliance, digital identity management, educational access, institutional reform and telecommunications security.
The meeting also reinforced the NCC’s regulatory focus on ensuring that the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy is supported by reliable networks, stronger infrastructure protection, secure digital systems and measures that protect consumers.
The Board said the Commission would continue to pursue regulatory actions aimed at improving network resilience, strengthening digital trust, promoting inclusive connectivity, protecting consumers and ensuring fair competition in the telecommunications market.
It also committed the Commission to greater transparency in its operations and to measures supporting the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The 110th meeting was held on September 9, 2026, with the communiqué issued by the Office of the Commission Secretary following the meeting of the Governing Board.
