The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has highlighted significant progress in network expansion and consumer protection as the Board concluded its 109th meeting on May 25, 2026.
In a communiqué issued after the meeting, the Board acknowledged substantial investments by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) aimed at enhancing service quality and network coverage nationwide. Operators have committed to deploying over 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites, with more than 5,000 sites already completed, representing over 40 per cent progress. The Board also noted strengthened transmission infrastructure, including fibre connectivity extended to more than 700 sites, alongside upgrades by colocation and infrastructure sharing licensees across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS).
A major highlight of the meeting was the progress recorded on consumer compensation for poor Quality of Service (QoS). Following a directive from the Commission, MNOs have compensated over 75 million affected subscribers. The Board emphasised ongoing independent validation of operators’ claims to ensure all eligible consumers receive their due compensation while urging subscribers to remain engaged with the Commission.
On infrastructure providers, the Board observed partial compliance by TowerCos with the directive to reinvest regulatory fines into infrastructure upgrades via escrow accounts. It stressed the need for full compliance to achieve sustainable improvements in network resilience.
The Board further welcomed the rapid growth in Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections, which more than doubled from 84,141 subscribers in Q4 2025 to 210,065 in Q1 2026. This expansion, alongside broader efforts to enhance wholesale backbone and metropolitan fibre networks, is expected to ease pressure on mobile networks, reduce costs, and support the delivery of more affordable, high-quality broadband services, a critical step toward Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy ambition.
The communiqué expressed concern over continued vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major hindrance to industry growth. The Board commended ongoing efforts by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, which have designated telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). It called for stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration and reaffirmed its commitment to initiatives such as a potential Communications Industry Security Trust Fund.
In a move to promote digital inclusion, the Board disclosed ongoing engagements with industry stakeholders to develop a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content. The initiative aims to bridge the urban-rural divide and enhance educational outcomes through improved access to digital learning resources.
To strengthen governance and reposition the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) for greater impact in Nigeria’s digital economy, the Board approved key appointments. Princess Oforitsenere Emiko, Non-Executive Commissioner of the NCC, was appointed as Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board. Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, and Ms. Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, were appointed as interim board members.
The Board concluded the meeting with a renewed commitment to fostering a sustainable, inclusive, and competitive communications sector that serves as a key enabler of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda. Quality of Service, network resilience, consumer protection, transparency, and fair competition will remain top priorities.
The 109th Board meeting communiqué was issued on May 29, 2026, by the Office of the Commission Secretary.
