The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving quality of service, expanding digital infrastructure, strengthening consumer protection, and deepening broadband penetration across the country as part of efforts to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
This was one of the key outcomes of the Commission’s 109th Board Meeting held on May 25, 2026, during which members reviewed industry performance, regulatory initiatives, and strategic interventions aimed at enhancing the telecommunications ecosystem and supporting the growth of the digital economy.
A major highlight of the meeting was the Board’s acknowledgement of the substantial investments being undertaken by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to improve network coverage, capacity, and overall Quality of Experience for subscribers.
According to the Board, operators have committed to deploying more than 12,000 new coverage and capacity sites nationwide, with over 5,000 sites already completed, representing more than 40 percent of the planned rollout. The Board also noted significant progress in transmission infrastructure development, with fibre connectivity extended to over 700 sites to improve network resilience, backhaul capacity, and service reliability.
Additionally, colocation and infrastructure-sharing companies have continued to invest in upgrading telecommunications infrastructure, deploying new equipment across more than 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support network expansion and enhance compliance with Quality of Service obligations.
The Board also reviewed the implementation of the Commission’s directive requiring Mobile Network Operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor service delivery in areas where prescribed service standards were not met.
Members noted with satisfaction that the initiative has resulted in compensation being provided to more than 75 million affected subscribers, describing the development as a significant milestone in consumer protection and accountability within the sector.
The Board further disclosed that efforts are ongoing to independently verify operators’ claims and ensure that all eligible subscribers receive the compensation due to them, while encouraging consumers to continue engaging with the Commission on service-related concerns.
Regarding infrastructure providers, the Board observed that while Tower Companies (TowerCos) have made progress in complying with directives requiring the reinvestment of regulatory fines into infrastructure upgrades, full compliance has yet to be achieved. The Board stressed the importance of complete adherence to the directive to ensure sustainable improvements in network performance and service delivery.
On broadband development, the Board reviewed data consumption trends and observed that increasing demand for data services continues to place pressure on existing infrastructure. It noted that growth has been constrained by limited infrastructure capacity, heavy reliance on mobile broadband, and the duplication of network assets, all of which affect service quality.
However, the Board welcomed the significant growth recorded in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) adoption. Subscriber numbers increased from 84,141 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 by the end of the year, reflecting growing consumer demand for fixed broadband services.
According to the Board, continued investments in fibre infrastructure and fixed broadband connectivity will help reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality, enhance network resilience, and provide consumers with more reliable and affordable connectivity options.
The Board also reviewed the Commission’s ongoing assessment of the telecommunications market structure to ensure it aligns with current realities, particularly regarding the evolving roles of wholesale and retail market segments.
Members noted that broader access to wholesale backbone fibre infrastructure, supported by expanded metropolitan fibre networks, will create opportunities for more homes, businesses, and institutions to access high-speed broadband services. Over time, this is expected to reduce connectivity costs, stimulate competition, and improve affordability for consumers.
The Board reaffirmed that the expansion of fibre infrastructure remains the most sustainable pathway to meeting Nigeria’s growing data requirements and supporting the Federal Government’s vision of building a $1 trillion economy through digital transformation.
The meeting also considered the persistent challenge of telecommunications infrastructure vandalism, which continues to affect network availability and service quality across parts of the country.
While commending the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for their efforts in protecting telecommunications assets following their designation as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Board called for stronger collaboration among industry stakeholders to safeguard critical communications infrastructure.
To further strengthen infrastructure security, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating initiatives aimed at protecting network facilities, including exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
In another key development, the Board reviewed ongoing consultations on the proposed framework for zero-rating educational platforms and digital learning content across the country.
The initiative is designed to promote digital inclusion, improve access to educational resources, bridge the urban-rural digital divide, and support better learning outcomes for students nationwide.
The Board also reviewed developments at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and approved measures aimed at strengthening governance and repositioning the institution to play a more effective role in Nigeria’s digital economy ecosystem.
Following the expiration of the tenure of the DBI Board Chairman and some members, the Board approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, as Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board.
The Board also approved the appointment of Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, as interim members of the Governing Board.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board reiterated the Commission’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient communications sector capable of driving innovation, economic growth, financial inclusion, and national development.
The Board assured stakeholders that priority areas including Quality of Service improvement, network resilience, consumer protection, transparency, fair competition, and market discipline will continue to guide the Commission’s regulatory activities as it works to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and enhance the experience of telecommunications consumers across the country.
