FG Gives NCC Full Backing to Sanction Telecom Operators Over Poor Services

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its support for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce telecom service standards and ensure operators improve network quality across the country.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed at the weekend that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has granted the NCC full authority to monitor telecom performance, enforce regulations, and sanction operators that fail to meet required standards.
According to Tijani, Nigerians should begin to witness noticeable improvements in call quality, data services, and network coverage.
“Going forward, we expect to see clear and measurable improvements in call quality, data performance and coverage,” he stated. “Where operators deliver, it will be recognised. Where they do not, the Commission is expected to take appropriate regulatory action.”
The minister said telecom operators including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and T2 are expected to address existing network challenges and provide the quality of service subscribers pay for.
He explained that government would depend on NCC’s periodic assessments, public feedback, and complaints from consumers on digital platforms to evaluate progress in the sector.
Tijani further noted that years of underinvestment had created structural deficiencies in the telecommunications sector before the current administration assumed office in 2023.
He said the government has already commenced reforms aimed at closing those gaps, including a World Bank-supported fibre optic initiative under Project BRIDGE as well as fresh tower deployments through NUCAP, both expected to commence before the end of the year.
“These investments will address the foundational gaps in our digital infrastructure over the next 2 to 5 years and permanently transform connectivity across Nigeria,” he added.
The minister also stated that recent tariff adjustments, the classification of telecom infrastructure as critical national assets, tax harmonisation policies, and broader economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira have helped stabilise the telecommunications industry.
According to him, telecom operators are now in a stronger financial position and should be able to resolve network-related problems and improve service delivery nationwide.