The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has pledged to enhance telecommunications services across the country, responding to widespread complaints about poor network quality. In a statement from Nnenna Ukoha, the commission’s Head of Public Affairs, the NCC acknowledged public frustration over dropped calls, slow internet, and unreliable data services in many regions.
Telecom services have become vital for business, education, healthcare, and daily communication, the NCC noted, emphasizing that consumers deserve reliable service and value for money. Over the past two years, improving Quality of Service (QoS) has been a top regulatory priority, with intensified oversight of Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers, and Tower Companies to address structural barriers.
The commission revealed that operators made significant infrastructure investments in 2025. Mobile Network Operators spent over N2.13 trillion, while Tower Companies invested an additional N373.8 billion in network expansion and upgrades nationwide. These investments led to the addition or enhancement of over 2,800 telecom sites, including faster 4G and 5G services, expanded fibre backhaul, and increased capacity in urban and underserved areas.
In 2026, operators have committed to deploying and upgrading over 12,000 more sites, with nearly 3,000 already completed and more than 730 new 5G sites rolled out across 27 states. The NCC also highlighted efforts to improve spectrum efficiency by reallocating unused radio spectrum among major operators to boost performance.
Recent QoS assessments show gradual improvements in coverage, capacity, and download speeds. 4G penetration has risen from 45 percent in January 2024 to 54 percent currently, while median download speeds increased from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps. However, the regulator admitted that some areas still suffer from poor service, congestion, and unstable connectivity, requiring operators to accelerate their efforts.
External factors like vandalism, theft of infrastructure, fibre cuts, and power outages continue to affect network performance. In 2025 alone, over 27,000 preventable fibre-cut incidents were recorded, often due to road construction and vandalism. The NCC is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to enforce the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure and combat telecom equipment theft.
Operators must now promptly inform consumers during major outages and restore services within set timeframes, with reports logged through the Major Network Outages Reporting Portal. Enforcement of the Quality of Service Regulations 2024 began in November 2025, and operators failing to meet standards will face penalties, including consumer compensation and additional investment demands.
The commission urged all levels of government and host communities to help protect telecom infrastructure and create an enabling environment for continued investment. “The expectation is unequivocal: the industry is now required to deliver tangible improvements, and the Commission will persist in enforcing compliance for the benefit of consumers and the broader economy,” the statement concluded.