By Nigerian telecommunications industry players have so far invested over N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades and additional N373.8 billion as well as interventions, which included the addition of faster 4G and 5G layers on existing sites, expansion of fibre backhaul to improve site capacity and resilience, targeted deployments in high-demand urban locations, rollout into underserved communities, and general network equipment refresh.
“The sector is currently undergoing one of its most extensive network expansion and modernisation cycles in recent years, following a prolonged period of under-investment. In 2025 alone, Mobile Network Operators invested over N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades, while Tower Companies invested an additional N373.8 billion across the sector. These investments supported the addition and upgrade of over 2,800 telecommunications sites nationwide, addressing coverage and capacity gaps in several locations”, the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC), said in a statement.
According to the NCC all these were done by the Mobile Network Operators and Tower Companies to improve the quality of services adding that it has noted recent public concerns regarding the quality of telecommunications services in parts of the country.
The NCC made this known while reacting to public outcry on the service disruption i”n the industry saying, “the Commission recognises the frustration experienced by consumers when calls drop, internet speeds slow down, data services become unstable, or service disruptions affect daily activities.
It observed that telecommunications services are now central to how Nigerians work, learn, do business, access essential services, and stay connected adding that consumers are therefore entitled to reliable service and must receive value for the services they pay for.
The Commission explained that over the past two years, improving Quality of Service has been a central regulatory priority for the Commission, saying that “the NCC has intensified monitoring of Mobile Network Operators, Internet Service Providers and Tower Companies, strengthened data-driven oversight, and deepened engagement with relevant public institutions to address structural barriers that affect service delivery. These measures are intended to ensure that the industry moves towards measurable improvements.”
The regulator further revealed that the interventions include the addition of faster 4G and 5G layers on existing sites, expansion of fibre backhaul to improve site capacity and resilience, targeted deployments in high-demand urban locations, rollout into underserved communities, and general network equipment refresh.
“This expansion drive is continuing in 2026 in response to Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and the exponential growth in data consumption. The NCC has secured industry commitments for the addition and upgrade of over 12,000 sites within the year, of which close to 3,000 have already been delivered. The deployment of next-generation infrastructure is also accelerating, with more than 730 additional 5G sites already deployed across 27 states so far in 2026.
“In addition, and in line with its Spectrum Trading Guidelines, the Commission has facilitated the reallocation of a majority of idle and underutilised valuable radio spectrum among the three major Mobile Network Operators, while also rearranging spectrum blocks to provide contiguity for operators. These interventions are designed to improve spectral efficiency, network capacity, and service performance” the NCC stated..
The NCC assured that it would continue to hold all key players in the Quality of Service value chain accountable. Under the updated Quality of Service Regulations 2024, which were gazetted in July 2024, Mobile Network Operators and Tower Companies were allowed a defined transition period to order, ship, and install required equipment nationwide to enhance service quality. That transition period was not open-ended.
The Commission commenced enforcement from November 2025, including consumer compensation measures for poor service quality and additional investment obligations on Tower Companies where performance failures were identified.
This enforcement will continue, and where operators fail to deliver measurable improvements, the Commission will take appropriate regulatory action, including escalation where necessary.
“We therefore call on all stakeholders—across federal, state, and local governments, as well as host communities—to support efforts aimed at protecting telecommunications infrastructure, facilitating timely access for maintenance, and creating an enabling environment for sustained investment in the sector”, said the NCC.
