The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that mobile network operators are deploying more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites across the country as part of efforts to improve network quality and expand telecommunications services.

The disclosure was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 109th meeting of the Commission’s Governing Board, held on May 25, 2026.

According to the Board, more than 5,000 of the planned sites have already been completed, representing over 40 per cent of the deployment target. The Commission noted that the ongoing investments are aimed at enhancing network coverage, increasing capacity and improving the quality of experience for telecom consumers nationwide.

The Board also reported significant progress in strengthening transmission infrastructure, revealing that fibre connectivity has been extended to more than 700 network sites to improve service reliability, backhaul capacity and network resilience.

In addition, co-location and infrastructure-sharing companies have upgraded equipment at more than 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support operators’ network expansion efforts and improve compliance with quality-of-service obligations.

75 Million Subscribers Compensated

The Board reviewed the implementation of the Commission’s directive requiring mobile network operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor quality of service in areas where operators failed to meet prescribed standards.

It noted substantial compliance with the directive, leading to compensation for more than 75 million affected subscribers.

While acknowledging the progress made, the Board said the Commission is independently validating operators’ claims to ensure that all eligible subscribers receive the compensation due to them. It also encouraged consumers to continue engaging with the regulator on service-related concerns.

However, the Board observed that tower companies had only partially complied with a separate directive requiring them to fund escrow accounts with the full value of regulatory fines for infrastructure reinvestment.

It stressed the need for full compliance to ensure sustainable infrastructure improvements and better service delivery.

Fibre Expansion Key to Meeting Growing Data Demand

The Board also examined data consumption trends in Nigeria, noting that growing demand for internet services continues to be constrained by limited infrastructure capacity, heavy reliance on mobile connectivity and the duplication of network assets.

Despite these challenges, the Commission reported strong growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) adoption. Subscriber numbers rose from 84,141 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 by the fifth quarter of 2025, reflecting increasing demand for fixed broadband services.

According to the Board, expanding fixed-fibre infrastructure will help reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve service quality and provide consumers with more connectivity options.

The Commission also disclosed that it is reviewing the telecommunications market structure to better reflect current realities in the wholesale and retail segments of the industry.

The Board said broader access to wholesale backbone fibre and expanded metropolitan fibre networks would enable more homes, businesses and buildings to connect to high-speed broadband services, potentially lowering connectivity costs and improving network resilience over time.

It reaffirmed that the strategy represents the most sustainable pathway to meeting Nigeria’s growing data needs and supporting the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and ambition of building a $1 trillion economy.

NCC Raises Concern Over Infrastructure Vandalism

The Board expressed concern over continued vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major challenge affecting industry growth and service delivery.

While commending the efforts of the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps following the designation of telecom facilities as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), the Board called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to improve infrastructure protection.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to fast-tracking measures to enhance network security, including exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.

Framework for Zero-Rated Educational Platforms Under Review

The Commission disclosed that consultations are ongoing with industry stakeholders to develop a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and digital learning content across the country.

The initiative is expected to promote digital inclusion, bridge the urban-rural digital divide and improve educational outcomes for Nigerians.

NCC Reconstitutes Digital Bridge Institute Board

As part of efforts to strengthen governance and reposition the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) for greater contribution to Nigeria’s digital economy, the Board approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko as Interim Chairman of the Institute’s Governing Board.

The appointment follows governance gaps created by the expiration of the tenure of the previous chairman and some members of the board.

The Commission 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 DBI Governing Board.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fostering a sustainable, inclusive and resilient communications sector that supports Nigeria’s digital economy.

It stated that priorities including quality of service, network resilience, consumer protection, transparency, fair competition and market discipline would remain at the centre of the Commission’s regulatory agenda.