By Ahmed Ahmed
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says telecommunications operators are making significant investments in network expansion, with plans underway for the deployment of more than 12,000 new network sites across the country.
The development was disclosed in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 109th meeting of the commission’s Governing Board held on May 25, 2026.
According to the communiqué, the planned infrastructure expansion is intended to improve service quality, strengthen broadband access and support the country’s digital economy ambitions.
The board noted that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have already completed more than 5,000 of the planned site deployments, representing over 40 percent of the overall target.
The new sites are expected to improve network coverage, expand capacity and enhance the quality of experience for telecommunications subscribers across the country.
The progress recorded so far reflects continuing efforts by operators to respond to increasing demand for data services, voice connectivity and digital applications in both urban and rural areas.
Beyond mobile network expansion, the commission highlighted improvements in transmission infrastructure, particularly in the area of fibre connectivity.
According to the communiqué, fibre transmission infrastructure has now been extended to more than 700 sites nationwide.
The expansion is expected to strengthen backhaul capacity, improve network resilience and enhance service reliability, all of which are essential for supporting growing digital traffic and broadband usage.
The board also acknowledged the role being played by infrastructure-sharing companies, commonly known as TowerCos, in supporting the ongoing expansion programme.
According to the NCC, TowerCos have continued to invest in network upgrades, deploying new equipment across more than 2,000 base stations.
These investments, the board noted, are helping operators expand coverage while supporting compliance with quality-of-service obligations established by the regulator.
The meeting also reviewed measures aimed at improving consumer protection and service delivery.
The board noted progress on the commission’s directive requiring operators to compensate subscribers in areas where service standards were not achieved.
According to the communiqué, more than 75 million affected subscribers have already received compensation under the initiative.
At the same time, the board expressed concern about partial compliance by some infrastructure providers with regulatory directives requiring the reinvestment of fines into network upgrades.
The commission stressed the importance of full implementation of the directive as part of efforts to sustain service improvements and strengthen network performance.
Broadband expansion also featured prominently in the board’s deliberations.
The communiqué revealed that fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) subscriptions increased significantly from 84,141 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 210,065 in the fifth quarter of 2025.
While describing the growth as encouraging, the board noted that subscription levels remain below what is required to meet national demand for high-speed broadband services.
According to the commission, expanding fixed broadband infrastructure remains essential for reducing pressure on mobile networks, improving service quality and lowering long-term connectivity costs for consumers and businesses.
The board further highlighted ongoing regulatory reviews designed to align the telecommunications market with changing industry realities.
These reviews include efforts to establish clearer distinctions between wholesale and retail service segments, a move intended to improve market efficiency and support investment across different layers of the telecommunications value chain.
The commission stated that increased access to wholesale fibre infrastructure and the continued expansion of metropolitan fibre networks would help accelerate broadband adoption and support Nigeria’s digital transformation objectives.
Despite the progress recorded, the board identified infrastructure vandalism as a major challenge affecting service delivery across the sector.
This concern persists despite the designation of telecommunications assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), a classification intended to provide stronger protection for strategic communications facilities.
The board acknowledged ongoing collaboration between the NCC, the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in addressing threats to telecommunications infrastructure.
However, it called for stronger cooperation among stakeholders and advocated the establishment of a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to strengthen infrastructure protection efforts nationwide.
Digital inclusion also formed part of discussions at the meeting.
According to the communiqué, the commission is finalising a framework for the zero-rating of educational platforms and content.
The initiative is aimed at expanding access to digital learning resources, reducing barriers to educational content and helping bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
The board noted that improved access to digital education resources could support broader inclusion objectives while enhancing opportunities for learning and skills development.
In a related development, the board approved leadership changes at the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) following governance gaps created by the expiration of some board tenures.
As part of the changes, Princess Oforitsenere Emiko was appointed Interim Chairman of the DBI Governing Board.
The board also approved the appointments of Abraham Oshadami and Rimini Makama as interim members of the institute’s governing board.
The leadership appointments are expected to support continuity in the institute’s operations while governance structures are strengthened.
At the conclusion of its deliberations, the commission reaffirmed its commitment to improving quality of service, strengthening consumer protection, promoting market discipline and supporting the development of a sustainable telecommunications sector.
Taken together, the infrastructure investments, broadband initiatives, regulatory reforms and consumer-focused measures reviewed at the meeting point to a sector undergoing continued expansion and transformation. With more than 12,000 new network sites planned, over 5,000 already completed, fibre infrastructure extended to more than 700 locations, over 2,000 base stations upgraded and more than 75 million subscribers compensated under quality-of-service directives, the telecommunications industry remains a central pillar of Nigeria’s broader digital economy strategy.
