The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning to telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, to enhance their service quality or face punitive measures. This caution comes after years of inadequate network performance that has plagued consumers.
Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, emphasized that recent reforms have eliminated any justification for substandard services. He noted that the administration inherited a structurally flawed connectivity landscape, stemming from chronic underinvestment and operational bottlenecks.
Tijani outlined a dual approach to tackling these issues. On the long term, the government has secured World Bank funding and established a special purpose vehicle under Project BRIDGE to deploy nationwide open-access fiber infrastructure. Fiber rollout and new tower installations via NUCAP are slated to commence before year-end, complemented by expanded satellite capabilities.
In the short term, the government has stabilized the sector through tariff adjustments, designating telecom infrastructure as critical national asset, tax harmonization, and broader macroeconomic reforms. These measures have restored profitability and fostered a transparent, market-driven environment, giving operators the capacity to invest in network upgrades.
Telecom firms are now expected to take all necessary steps to resolve network challenges and deliver the quality of service Nigerians deserve. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has been fully empowered to monitor performance, enforce standards, and ensure compliance, with sanctions for defaulting operators.