The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said that over 75 million telecom subscribers have been compensated for poor quality of service as part of ongoing efforts to protect consumers and improve service delivery.
This was disclosed in a communiqué issued at the end of the Commission’s 109th Board meeting held on May 25, 2026.
The NCC said the compensation followed its directive to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to address service lapses in areas where prescribed standards were not met.
The Commission also revealed that telecom operators are intensifying network expansion, with plans to deploy over 12,000 additional sites to improve coverage and capacity nationwide.
According to the communiqué, more than 5,000 of the planned sites have already been completed, representing over 40 per cent progress.
It added that fibre connectivity has been extended to more than 700 locations, a move expected to enhance network resilience, improve backhaul capacity and boost service reliability.
The NCC further noted that infrastructure-sharing licensees had deployed equipment across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support network expansion and ensure compliance with Quality of Service (QoS) obligations.
However, the Commission expressed concern over partial compliance by tower companies (TowerCos) with its directive requiring the reinvestment of regulatory fines into infrastructure upgrades.
It stressed the need for full compliance to ensure sustainable improvement in telecom infrastructure.
On data usage, the NCC observed that demand for data services continues to rise but is constrained by infrastructure limitations, including dependence on mobile internet and duplication of network assets.
Despite this, the Commission reported growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, which increased from 84,141 subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 in the first quarter of 2026.
The Board also reiterated the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to protect telecom infrastructure following its designation as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
In addition, the NCC said it is working with industry stakeholders to develop a framework for zero-rating educational platforms to promote digital inclusion and improve access to learning.
The Commission further approved steps to reposition the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), including new appointments to strengthen its governance and contribution to the country’s digital economy.
It reaffirmed its commitment to improving quality of service, enhancing consumer protection and promoting a sustainable and inclusive telecommunications sector.
