By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is witnessing a major infrastructure expansion as operators move to improve network quality, widen coverage, and strengthen customer experience across the country.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed that mobile network operators are set to deploy more than 12,000 new coverage and capacity sites nationwide, with over 5,000 already completed.
The development was highlighted during the NCC’s 109th Board Meeting held on May 25, 2026, where the commission reviewed ongoing efforts to enhance service delivery and support Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
According to the NCC, telecom operators have also extended fibre connectivity to more than 700 network sites, while colocation and infrastructure-sharing companies have upgraded equipment at over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to improve network resilience and service quality.
The commission said the ongoing investments demonstrate the industry’s commitment to expanding coverage, increasing network capacity, and delivering better customer experiences.
On consumer protection, the NCC revealed that more than 75 million subscribers have received compensation after operators were directed to provide redress for service deficiencies. The regulator noted that compliance has been significant and that verification processes are ongoing to ensure all eligible subscribers receive appropriate compensation.
However, the commission expressed concern over partial compliance by some tower companies (TowerCos) regarding directives to channel regulatory fines into infrastructure upgrades through designated escrow accounts. It stressed that full compliance remains critical to achieving sustainable improvements in network performance.
The NCC also pointed to increasing broadband demand as a key challenge facing the sector. Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) subscriptions surged from 84,141 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 in the following quarter, reflecting growing demand for high-speed fixed broadband services.
To address this trend, the regulator emphasized the need for accelerated fibre deployment nationwide to reduce pressure on mobile networks, lower connectivity costs, and improve service quality.
The commission further raised concerns about the continued vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure despite its designation as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII). To strengthen asset protection, the NCC is considering the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund and deeper collaboration with industry stakeholders to safeguard critical infrastructure and facilitate rapid repairs.
Reaffirming its commitment to the sector, the commission said it remains focused on building a resilient, inclusive, and technology-driven communications ecosystem capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and the Federal Government’s ambition of growing the economy to $1 trillion.
