NCC Assures Nigerians of Better Telecom Services Amid Massive Network Expansion

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured consumers that ongoing efforts to improve telecommunications service quality across the country are yielding results, despite persistent complaints about dropped calls, slow internet speeds, unstable data connections, and service disruptions.

In a statement addressing growing public concerns, the Commission acknowledged the frustrations experienced by Nigerians who rely heavily on telecom services for work, education, business, healthcare, and social connectivity. The NCC stressed that consumers deserve reliable and affordable services that provide full value for money.

According to the Commission, improving Quality of Service (QoS) has remained a top regulatory priority over the past two years. To achieve this, the NCC intensified oversight of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and Tower Companies through stricter monitoring, data-driven regulation, and stronger collaboration with relevant government institutions.

The Commission disclosed that the telecom sector is currently witnessing one of its largest infrastructure expansion and modernization drives in recent years following years of under-investment. In 2025 alone, Mobile Network Operators invested more than N2.13 trillion in network upgrades and infrastructure, while Tower Companies committed an additional N373.8 billion to the sector.

These investments led to the deployment and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecom sites nationwide, helping to close coverage gaps and improve network capacity in several locations. Key interventions include the expansion of 4G and 5G networks, fibre backhaul upgrades, improved urban coverage, and deployment into underserved communities.

The NCC revealed that the expansion drive has continued into 2026, with operators committing to deploy or upgrade more than 12,000 telecom sites during the year. Nearly 3,000 sites have already been completed, while over 730 additional 5G sites have been deployed across 27 states.

To further improve network efficiency and performance, the Commission also facilitated the reallocation and restructuring of underutilized radio spectrum among major operators in line with its Spectrum Trading Guidelines.

The Commission’s latest Quality of Service assessments indicate gradual improvements in network performance nationwide. According to NCC data, 4G penetration increased from 45 percent in January 2024 to 54 percent currently, while national median download speeds improved from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps during the same period. Power availability at telecom towers also rose from 99.3 percent in January 2025 to 99.7 percent.

Despite these gains, the Commission admitted that several areas still experience poor call quality, slow internet speeds, congestion, and unstable connections, adding that operators must accelerate improvements.

The NCC also highlighted major external challenges affecting service delivery, including fibre cuts, vandalism, theft of telecom equipment, power disruptions, and denial of access for maintenance operations. In 2025 alone, more than 27,000 avoidable fibre-cut incidents were recorded nationwide, many linked to road construction activities and vandalism.

To address these issues, the Commission said it is working closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to enforce the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure. It also confirmed ongoing collaboration with federal and state ministries to reduce infrastructure damage during road projects.

As part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability, operators have now been directed to promptly notify consumers whenever major service outages occur and restore services within specified timelines. Major outages are also being published through the NCC’s outage reporting portal.

The Commission further disclosed that enforcement of the updated Quality of Service Regulations 2024 commenced in November 2025. Measures include consumer compensation for poor service delivery and additional investment obligations for operators and tower companies found wanting.

The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring all Nigerians enjoy reliable, affordable, and high-quality telecommunications services, warning that operators who fail to deliver measurable improvements will face stricter regulatory actions.