Telecom operators have compensated more than 75 million subscribers for poor network quality, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said
The commission stated this in a communiqué following its 109th board meeting of May 25, 2026.
It follows a directive by the NCC on March 29, 2026, mandating mobile operators to compensate subscribers for substandard network performance.
“The board noted substantial progress in the implementation of the commission’s directive, particularly the full compliance, which has resulted in compensation being offered to over 75 million affected subscribers,”
“The board further acknowledged ongoing efforts to independently validate operators’ claims and ensure all eligible subscribers receive compensation due to them, while encouraging consumers to continue their engagement with the commission,” it said.
With reference to infrastructure providers, particularly tower companies (TowerCos), which were directed to reinvest regulatory fines into network upgrades, the board said compliance had been partial, adding:
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“While noting the progress made to date, the board emphasised the importance of full compliance to ensure that the intended infrastructure improvements are realised sustainably,” the communiqué stated.
IT noted that efforts to expand fibre-to-the-home connections are beginning to gain traction, although penetration remains low relative to national demand.
However, broader fibre rollout and wholesale backbone expansion, NCC added, would be critical to easing pressure on mobile networks and reducing the cost of data services over time.
“The board noted the prevailing sectoral challenges affecting the operations of licensees of the commission, including infrastructure vandalism, which has continued to hamper industry growth,” it said.
The NCC said it is exploring additional protective mechanisms, including a proposed Communications Industry Security Trust Fund, to strengthen the security of telecom infrastructure nationwide.
It is expected that all of the above would help stem the problem of poor network quality plaguing the industy .
