The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a series of strategic initiatives aimed at expanding telecommunications infrastructure, improving service delivery, enhancing consumer protection and accelerating digital inclusion across Nigeria.
The decisions were reached during the Commission’s 109th Board Meeting held recently, where members reviewed key developments within the telecommunications industry and assessed regulatory measures designed to support the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
As part of efforts to improve network coverage and service quality nationwide, the Board received updates on plans by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to deploy over 12,000 new coverage and capacity sites across the country. The Commission noted that more than 5,000 sites have already been completed, representing approximately 40 per cent of the overall target.
The Board also reviewed ongoing investments in transmission infrastructure, noting that fibre connectivity has been extended to more than 700 network sites to strengthen network resilience, increase backhaul capacity and improve service reliability. In addition, tower infrastructure providers have upgraded equipment at over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations to support network expansion and enhance Quality of Service (QoS).
On consumer protection, the Board commended telecommunications operators for complying with the Commission’s directive requiring compensation for customers affected by poor service quality. According to the Commission, more than 75 million subscribers have so far benefited from the compensation programme, while an independent verification exercise is underway to ensure that all eligible customers are adequately covered.
Despite the progress recorded, the Board expressed concern over the incomplete compliance of tower infrastructure companies with directives mandating contributions to escrow accounts dedicated to infrastructure reinvestment. It stressed that full compliance remains critical to sustaining improvements in network performance and service delivery.
The Commission also reviewed developments in broadband penetration, observing that the increasing demand for data services continues to outpace existing infrastructure capacity due to heavy reliance on mobile broadband and limited network expansion. To address the challenge, Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections grew significantly from 84,141 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 in the first quarter of 2026.
The Board noted that continued investment in FTTH deployment and metro fibre infrastructure would help reduce pressure on mobile networks, improve broadband quality and make connectivity more affordable for consumers.
As part of broader industry reforms, the Commission disclosed that it is currently reviewing the structure of the telecommunications market to establish a clearer distinction between wholesale and retail service providers. The initiative is expected to support more targeted regulation and align the sector with the Federal Government’s digital transformation objectives and its ambition of building a one-trillion-dollar economy.
The Board also raised concerns over the continued vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure despite its designation as Critical National Information Infrastructure. It called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and revealed that the Commission is considering the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to enhance the protection of critical telecom assets nationwide.
In furtherance of its digital inclusion agenda, the Board evaluated proposals aimed at providing zero-rated access to educational platforms and digital learning content, particularly for underserved and disadvantaged communities.
Meanwhile, the Board approved the appointment of Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, a Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, as Interim Chairman of the Governing Board of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI). It 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 Board.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by the Commission to strengthening network resilience, improving service quality, safeguarding consumer interests, promoting fair competition and advancing a sustainable and inclusive communications ecosystem across Nigeria.
