The Governing Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has concluded its 110th meeting, unveiling a series of regulatory updates aimed at accelerating infrastructure growth, strengthening digital trust, and expanding digital education.
Reviewing operational performance, the Board announced that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have now deployed 8,526 out of 1,2179 committed coverage and capacity sites, reaching a 70 per cent completion rate. Despite this rapid progress, the Commission highlighted that fibre cuts caused a sharp rise in network disruptions last June, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced infrastructure protection and network resilience.
To foster security and digital trust, the NCC confirmed that the Device Management System (DMS) is officially live, allowing authorities to verify device compliance and block stolen phones across all networks. Furthermore, the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) is scheduled to go live in October 2026 to curb risks associated with mobile number misuse and recycling.
In a major push for inclusive education, the Board reviewed its collaborative framework with the Federal Ministry of Education to zero-rate educational platforms. Following an official launch on September 10, 2026, the initiative is slated to go live on October 1, 2026, providing students with unhindered access to learning resources.
Addressing ongoing industry threats, the Board issued a stern warning against a resurgence of call masking, classifying the practice as economic sabotage. The Commission vowed zero tolerance, promising close collaboration with security agencies to eliminate the illicit activity. Additionally, the Board approved a phased strategic roadmap to audit and reposition the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) for long-term sustainability.
