Telecom operators invested over ₦2.13 trillion in 2025 as NCC reports gradual improvement in calls, internet speed and coverage.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says ongoing efforts to address poor telecom service quality are beginning to yield positive results, driven by increased investments and infrastructure expansion across the country.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NCC Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, acknowledged complaints from consumers over dropped calls, slow internet speeds and unstable data connections. She noted that dependable telecom services are essential for business operations, education, healthcare delivery and social communication.
According to the commission, improving Quality of Service has remained a key regulatory focus over the past two years. The NCC said it intensified monitoring of mobile network operators, internet service providers and tower companies, while also strengthening collaboration with government institutions to tackle structural challenges affecting service delivery.
The commission disclosed that telecom operators invested more than ₦2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades in 2025, while tower companies contributed ₦373.8 billion. These investments supported the construction and upgrade of over 2,800 telecom sites nationwide.
The rollout covered 4G and 5G infrastructure deployment, expansion of fibre backhaul networks, upgrades in densely populated urban centres and extension of services to underserved communities.
The NCC stated that the expansion drive has continued into 2026, with operators planning to deploy and upgrade more than 12,000 telecom sites. It said nearly 3,000 sites have already been completed, including over 730 new 5G sites spread across 27 states.
The commission also said it facilitated the reallocation of underutilised spectrum among operators to improve network efficiency and capacity.
According to the latest assessments by the NCC, there have been gradual improvements in network coverage, capacity and internet speeds. It noted that 4G penetration increased from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent currently, while median download speeds rose from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps. Power availability at telecom sites also improved from 99.3 per cent to 99.7 per cent between January 2025 and now.
Despite the progress, the commission admitted that challenges still persist in areas experiencing network congestion, poor call quality and unstable connections.
The NCC said it is pushing forward plans for a wholesale broadband market aimed at helping smaller providers expand services and reduce costs, in line with Project BRIDGE and other digital infrastructure programmes.
The commission identified vandalism, fibre cuts, theft, power supply problems and denial of access as some of the major obstacles affecting telecom operations. It revealed that more than 27,000 fibre-cut incidents were recorded in 2025, largely caused by road construction activities and vandalism.
According to the NCC, it is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser to enforce the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure.
Under the updated Quality of Service Regulations gazetted in July 2024, telecom operators are now required to notify subscribers about major service outages and restore services within specified timelines.
The commission added that enforcement measures introduced since November 2025 include compensation for consumers affected by poor service and additional investment obligations for tower companies with performance issues.
The NCC warned that operators that fail to demonstrate measurable improvements risk facing tougher sanctions. It also appealed to governments and host communities to support efforts aimed at protecting telecom infrastructure and sustaining investments in the sector.