The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced fresh measures aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure, improving quality of service, and strengthening regulatory oversight in the telecommunications sector, following its 109th Board Meeting held on May 25, 2026.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the Office of the Commission Secretary, the Board reviewed developments across the industry and reiterated its commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive digital economy.
Massive infrastructure rollout by operators
The Board noted ongoing large-scale investments by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), including plans to deploy over 12,000 additional network coverage and capacity sites across the country. According to the Commission, more than 5,000 of these sites have already been completed, representing over 40 percent progress.
It also highlighted improvements in backbone infrastructure, including the extension of fibre connectivity to more than 700 sites, enhancing network resilience, backhaul capacity, and overall service reliability. Infrastructure-sharing companies (TowerCos) were also reported to have upgraded equipment across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
Consumer compensation and compliance enforcement
The NCC Board reviewed the implementation of its directive requiring operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor quality of service in underserved areas.
The Commission disclosed that more than 75 million subscribers have received compensation, describing it as a major milestone in consumer protection enforcement. However, it noted that ongoing verification processes are being carried out to ensure that all eligible users are properly covered.
On infrastructure reinvestment, the Board expressed concern that some TowerCos have only partially complied with requirements to fund escrow accounts using regulatory fines. It stressed the need for full compliance to ensure sustained infrastructure improvements.
Fibre expansion to drive broadband growth
The Board also examined Nigeria’s rising data consumption trends, noting that demand continues to increase but is constrained by limited infrastructure and over-reliance on mobile networks.
It highlighted growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, which rose sharply from 84,141 subscribers in Q4 2025 to 210,065 in Q5 2025. While still modest relative to national demand, the Commission said the trend reflects growing adoption of fixed broadband services.
According to the NCC, expanding metropolitan fibre networks and wholesale backbone access will reduce costs, improve service quality, and enhance connectivity options for households and businesses.
Tackling vandalism and securing telecom infrastructure
The Board expressed concern over continued vandalism and damage to telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major threat to sector growth.
It acknowledged ongoing collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), following the classification of telecom assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
The Commission also said it is exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to further strengthen infrastructure protection.
Digital inclusion through zero-rated education content
As part of efforts to promote digital inclusion, the NCC is working with industry stakeholders to develop a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content. The initiative is expected to improve access to learning resources, bridge the urban-rural digital divide, and enhance educational outcomes nationwide.
Governance changes at Digital Bridge Institute
The Board approved new interim leadership arrangements at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) following governance gaps arising from the expiration of some board members’ tenures.
Princess Oforitsenere Emiko was appointed Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board, while Engr. Abraham Oshadami and Ms. Rimini Makama were named as interim members.
Commitment to digital economy growth
Reaffirming its long-term vision, the NCC said its regulatory priorities will continue to focus on quality of service, consumer protection, fair competition, and market discipline.
The Commission emphasized that its strategic direction aligns with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and the broader goal of building a $1 trillion economy driven by a robust communications sector.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the Office of the Commission Secretary, the Board reviewed developments across the industry and reiterated its commitment to building a more resilient and inclusive digital economy.
Massive infrastructure rollout by operators
The Board noted ongoing large-scale investments by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), including plans to deploy over 12,000 additional network coverage and capacity sites across the country. According to the Commission, more than 5,000 of these sites have already been completed, representing over 40 percent progress.
It also highlighted improvements in backbone infrastructure, including the extension of fibre connectivity to more than 700 sites, enhancing network resilience, backhaul capacity, and overall service reliability. Infrastructure-sharing companies (TowerCos) were also reported to have upgraded equipment across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
Consumer compensation and compliance enforcement
The NCC Board reviewed the implementation of its directive requiring operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor quality of service in underserved areas.
The Commission disclosed that more than 75 million subscribers have received compensation, describing it as a major milestone in consumer protection enforcement. However, it noted that ongoing verification processes are being carried out to ensure that all eligible users are properly covered.
On infrastructure reinvestment, the Board expressed concern that some TowerCos have only partially complied with requirements to fund escrow accounts using regulatory fines. It stressed the need for full compliance to ensure sustained infrastructure improvements.
Fibre expansion to drive broadband growth
The Board also examined Nigeria’s rising data consumption trends, noting that demand continues to increase but is constrained by limited infrastructure and over-reliance on mobile networks.
It highlighted growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, which rose sharply from 84,141 subscribers in Q4 2025 to 210,065 in Q5 2025. While still modest relative to national demand, the Commission said the trend reflects growing adoption of fixed broadband services.
According to the NCC, expanding metropolitan fibre networks and wholesale backbone access will reduce costs, improve service quality, and enhance connectivity options for households and businesses.
Tackling vandalism and securing telecom infrastructure
The Board expressed concern over continued vandalism and damage to telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major threat to sector growth.
It acknowledged ongoing collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), following the classification of telecom assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
The Commission also said it is exploring the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to further strengthen infrastructure protection.
Digital inclusion through zero-rated education content
As part of efforts to promote digital inclusion, the NCC is working with industry stakeholders to develop a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content. The initiative is expected to improve access to learning resources, bridge the urban-rural digital divide, and enhance educational outcomes nationwide.
Governance changes at Digital Bridge Institute
The Board approved new interim leadership arrangements at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) following governance gaps arising from the expiration of some board members’ tenures.
Princess Oforitsenere Emiko was appointed Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board, while Engr. Abraham Oshadami and Ms. Rimini Makama were named as interim members.
Commitment to digital economy growth
Reaffirming its long-term vision, the NCC said its regulatory priorities will continue to focus on quality of service, consumer protection, fair competition, and market discipline.
The Commission emphasized that its strategic direction aligns with Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and the broader goal of building a $1 trillion economy driven by a robust communications sector.
