Nigeria’s telecoms regulator is sharpening its focus for 2026 with a clear promise to consumers: noticeable improvements in how mobile and internet services actually work in everyday life.
Under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says its priority for the year is to ensure Nigerians experience real, measurable gains in service quality—not just on paper, but in daily calls, browsing, and digital activities.
Central to the plan is a tougher approach to monitoring network performance. The Commission intends to intensify quality-of-service oversight, identify persistent bottlenecks, and push operators to fix long-standing coverage gaps, especially in high-traffic urban areas and known network “black spots.” It also plans to work closely with telecom operators to reduce avoidable service disruptions and ensure quicker restoration whenever outages occur.
Beyond network performance, the NCC is taking aim at one of consumers’ biggest frustrations: confusing tariffs and unexplained deductions. In 2026, the regulator says the era of hidden fees and complex billing must end. Operators will be required to simplify their tariff structures, offer clearer and more understandable bundles, and ensure billing systems are accurate and fair.
The Commission has also pledged stronger safeguards around recharges and deductions, including prompt refunds when transactions fail and tighter checks against misleading billing practices.
In a further shift, the NCC is expanding its focus beyond technical metrics to corporate leadership and accountability. A revised Corporate Governance Code for the telecoms sector is set to be fully implemented, making company boards and senior management more directly responsible for service outcomes experienced by subscribers.
According to the Commission, these reforms align with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and its ambition to build a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030. By strengthening competition, service quality, and consumer trust, the NCC believes the telecoms sector can unlock wider productivity and innovation across the country.
Summing up the vision, Dr. Maida said the goal is straightforward: deliver better services that Nigerians can genuinely feel and benefit from. He noted that when consumer protection and operator sustainability are properly balanced, confidence grows and more Nigerians can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
