The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured Nigerians that ongoing investments and regulatory measures in the telecommunications sector are beginning to improve service quality across the country, despite persistent complaints over poor network performance.
The commission, in a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, acknowledged the frustration of subscribers over dropped calls, slow internet speeds, unstable data connections and other service disruptions.
According to the NCC, telecommunications services have become critical to everyday life, adding that consumers deserve reliable and efficient services.
The commission said improving Quality of Service (QoS) has remained one of its top priorities over the past two years through stricter monitoring of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Tower Companies.
It disclosed that telecom operators invested over N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades in 2025, while Tower Companies committed an additional N373.8 billion to support network expansion nationwide.
The NCC said the investments led to the addition and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecom sites across the country to address coverage and capacity gaps.
According to the commission, the interventions include deployment of additional 4G and 5G infrastructure, expansion of fibre backhaul, upgrades in high-demand urban areas and rollout of services to underserved communities.
The regulator noted that network expansion is continuing in 2026, with operators committing to add or upgrade over 12,000 telecom sites this year, out of which nearly 3,000 sites have already been delivered.
It further disclosed that more than 730 additional 5G sites have so far been deployed across 27 states in 2026.
The NCC also said it facilitated the reallocation and restructuring of underutilised spectrum among major operators to improve spectral efficiency, network capacity and overall service delivery.
The commission stated that recent Quality of Service assessments indicate gradual improvements in network coverage, capacity and internet speeds.
It revealed that 4G penetration rose from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent currently, while national median download speeds improved from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps.
The NCC added that power availability at telecom towers improved from 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent.
However, the commission admitted that some subscribers still experience poor call quality, network congestion and slow internet services in certain areas.
It blamed part of the challenges on persistent fibre cuts, vandalism of telecom infrastructure, theft and power-related disruptions.
According to the NCC, over 27,000 fibre-cut incidents linked mainly to road construction activities and vandalism were recorded nationwide in 2025.
The commission said it is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to protect telecom infrastructure and reduce service disruptions.
The NCC also said operators have been directed to promptly notify consumers whenever major service outages occur and restore affected services within specified timelines.
It added that enforcement of the updated Quality of Service Regulations 2024 began in November 2025, including sanctions and consumer compensation measures where necessary.
The commission warned that operators failing to deliver measurable service improvements would face further regulatory action.