More than 75 million telecom subscribers in Nigeria have been offered compensation for poor service quality, while mobile network operators are deploying over 12,000 new network sites to improve coverage and capacity, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The regulator disclosed the developments in a communiqué issued after the 109th meeting of its Governing Board, where it reviewed industry performance, infrastructure investments and consumer protection measures.
The NCC said more than 5,000 of the planned network sites have already been completed, representing over 40% of the rollout target. It added that operators have extended fibre connectivity to more than 700 sites to strengthen network resilience, improve backhaul capacity and enhance service reliability.
The commission also said co-location and infrastructure-sharing companies have upgraded equipment at more than 2,000 base transceiver stations to support network expansion and improve compliance with quality-of-service obligations.
The Board reviewed the implementation of a directive requiring mobile network operators to compensate subscribers in areas where service standards were not met. According to the NCC, operators have substantially complied with the directive, resulting in compensation offers to more than 75 million affected subscribers.
The commission said it is independently verifying operators’ claims to ensure all eligible customers receive compensation.
The Board also assessed compliance by tower companies with a separate directive requiring them to reinvest regulatory fines in network infrastructure. It said operators had made progress but noted that compliance remained partial, stressing the need for full implementation to achieve the intended infrastructure improvements.
The commission warned that growing demand for data services continues to strain existing infrastructure. It attributed the challenge to limited network capacity, dependence on mobile internet connectivity and duplication of telecommunications assets.
The Board, however, noted strong growth in fibre broadband adoption. Fibre-to-the-Home subscriptions increased from 84,141 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 by the fifth quarter of the year, according to the communiqué.
The NCC said wider deployment of wholesale backbone fibre and metropolitan fibre networks would help connect more homes and businesses to fixed broadband services, reduce pressure on mobile networks and improve service quality.
It also disclosed that it is reviewing the structure of the telecommunications market to reflect current realities in both wholesale and retail segments of the industry.
The Board expressed concern over continued vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a threat to service delivery and industry growth. While acknowledging efforts by security agencies following the designation of telecom facilities as Critical National Information Infrastructure, it called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard network assets.
The commission said it is exploring the possibility of establishing a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure protection.
The Board also reviewed ongoing discussions with industry stakeholders on a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content. The initiative is intended to improve digital inclusion and expand access to educational resources, particularly in underserved communities.
In a separate decision, the Board approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as interim chairman of the Governing Board of the Digital Bridge Institute following the expiration of the tenure of the institute’s previous chairman and some board members.
It also appointed Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, as interim members of the board.
The NCC said it remains committed to improving service quality, strengthening network resilience, protecting consumers and promoting fair competition in the communications sector.