Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured Nigerians that ongoing efforts to tackle persistent telecommunications service challenges are yielding gradual results, even as it warned operators that stricter enforcement actions will continue where service quality falls below expectations.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head, Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the Commission acknowledged growing public dissatisfaction over poor network performance, including dropped calls, slow internet speeds, unstable data connections and service disruptions affecting businesses and daily communication.
The regulator admitted that many consumers have experienced frustration due to unreliable telecom services and stressed that Nigerians deserve value for money.
“The Commission recognises the frustration experienced by consumers when calls drop, internet speeds slow down, data services become unstable, or service disruptions affect daily activities,” the NCC stated.
It added: “Telecommunications services are now central to how Nigerians work, learn, do business, access essential services, and stay connected. Consumers are therefore entitled to reliable service and must receive value for the services they pay for.”
Operators Invest Over N2.5tn in Network Expansion
According to the Commission, the telecom industry is currently undergoing one of the largest infrastructure expansion and modernisation exercises in recent years after what it described as a prolonged period of under-investment.
The NCC disclosed that in 2025 alone, Mobile Network Operators invested more than N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades, while Tower Companies committed an additional N373.8 billion to improve network capacity nationwide.
The investments, the Commission said, supported the addition and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecom sites across the country.
It explained that the interventions included deployment of additional 4G and 5G infrastructure, expansion of fibre backhaul systems, installation of new equipment in high-demand urban centres and extension of services to underserved communities.
“These investments are welcome, but the Commission’s expectation is that they must translate into visible and measurable service improvements for consumers,” the statement noted.
NCC Targets 12,000 Additional Sites in 2026
The regulator further revealed that the expansion drive is continuing in 2026 as demand for digital services and data consumption continues to rise rapidly across Nigeria.
According to the NCC, telecom operators have already committed to adding or upgrading more than 12,000 sites this year, with close to 3,000 already completed.
It also disclosed that over 730 new 5G sites have so far been deployed across 27 states in 2026.
The Commission said it had also facilitated the reallocation and restructuring of underutilised radio spectrum among major operators in order to improve network efficiency, boost capacity and enhance service delivery.
Internet Speeds Improve as 4G Usage Rises
The NCC said its latest Quality of Service assessments indicate gradual improvement in network performance across several parts of the country.
According to the Commission, 4G penetration increased from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent currently, while national median download speeds rose from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps within the same period.
The agency also reported improved power availability at telecom sites, which it said increased from a national average of 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent presently.
However, the Commission admitted that many areas still experience poor call quality, congestion, slow internet speeds and unstable service.
“However, the Commission is equally clear that the pace and consistency of improvement must increase, particularly in locations where consumers continue to experience poor call quality, slow data speeds, congestion, and service instability,” it stated.
NCC Blames Fibre Cuts, Vandalism for Service Disruptions
The telecom regulator identified vandalism, fibre cuts, theft of telecom equipment, power disruptions and denial of access to network facilities as some of the major external challenges affecting service delivery.
The NCC revealed that more than 27,000 avoidable fibre-cut incidents were recorded across Nigeria in 2025 alone, largely due to road construction activities and vandalism.
“Each incident has a direct impact on network performance, service availability, and consumer experience,” the Commission said.
The regulator added that it is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to enforce the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure.
It said the collaboration has already helped disrupt organised syndicates involved in the theft and resale of telecom infrastructure.
NCC Threatens Further Sanctions
The Commission warned that operators failing to deliver measurable improvements would face regulatory sanctions.
It recalled that enforcement of the updated Quality of Service Regulations 2024 began in November 2025 after operators were given time to procure and install new equipment nationwide.
“The Commission commenced enforcement from November 2025, including consumer compensation measures for poor service quality and additional investment obligations on Tower Companies where performance failures were identified,” the statement said.
“This enforcement will continue, and where operators fail to deliver measurable improvements, the Commission will take appropriate regulatory action, including escalation where necessary.”
The NCC also called on federal, state and local governments, as well as host communities, to support efforts aimed at protecting telecom infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for continued investment in the sector.
“The expectation is clear: the industry must now deliver measurable improvements, and the Commission will continue to enforce compliance in the interest of consumers and the wider economy,” the Commission added.
