Q4 2025: Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector Deploys 2,850 New Sites on $1bn Investment – NCC

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector attracted over $1 billion in capital investment in 2025, translating into the deployment of more than 2,850 new network sites, according to the Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The data-driven assessment points to improving network quality nationwide and reinforces the sector’s position as a stable, investment-ready infrastructure market supported by predictable regulation and rising demand for data services.

Speaking at an engagement on the report’s release, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, said the exercise reflects the Commission’s commitment to transparent, evidence-based regulation designed to strengthen investor confidence while accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation.

The reports, produced in collaboration with global network intelligence firm Ookla, provide independent insights into real-world network performance across urban centres, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones, offering policymakers and investors a clearer view of infrastructure performance and service outcomes.

“Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians,” Maida said.

Performance Gains Support Investment Case

The Q4 data shows consistent improvements in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas compared with Q3 2025, alongside a narrowing video Quality of Experience (QoE) gap between locations. The strengthening of Nigeria’s 4G backbone further underlines the sector’s capacity to support data-intensive services and future 5G expansion.

For investors, these improvements signal better asset utilisation, stronger service reliability, and a foundation for sustainable revenue growth, particularly as data consumption continues to rise.

From a policy perspective, the findings demonstrate the effectiveness of targeted regulatory interventions, including spectrum optimisation, quality-of-service enforcement, and infrastructure expansion initiatives aimed at improving nationwide coverage.

Regulatory Certainty, 2026 Investment Outlook

Maida said the performance reports allow the NCC to track progress, identify gaps, and calibrate regulatory actions based on empirical data rather than anecdotal assessments. He noted that the Commission is actively engaging operators to address performance shortfalls, ensuring that regulatory oversight remains aligned with market realities.

Importantly for capital planners, the NCC has secured commitments from operators to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026, signalling continued infrastructure roll-out and long-term confidence in Nigeria’s telecoms market.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders as we translate these insights into better connectivity, improved service quality, and a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,” Maida said.