By Benson Daniel
Mobile network operators in Nigeria have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 additional coverage and capacity sites committed to improving telecommunications services across the country, representing about 70 per cent progress on the expansion programme.
The latest figures were disclosed after the 110th meeting of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Governing Board, held on September 9, 2026. The deployment marks a significant increase from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at the commission’s previous board meeting.
The additional infrastructure is expected to strengthen network coverage, increase capacity and improve the quality of experience for telecommunications subscribers, particularly in areas where users have continued to experience weak signals and network congestion.
However, the progress has been accompanied by concerns over the reliability and protection of existing telecommunications infrastructure.
The board noted that fibre cuts contributed to a sharp rise in network disruptions recorded in June, stressing that expanding network infrastructure would have limited impact if critical facilities remained vulnerable to damage.
It therefore called for stronger protection of telecommunications infrastructure and continued investment in network resilience and service reliability.
The commission is also strengthening its digital security infrastructure as part of broader efforts to improve the integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.
Its Device Management System is now operational and is expected to improve compliance with device type-approval requirements, reduce the circulation of non-compliant devices and help combat mobile phone theft.
Under the system, stolen mobile devices reported to the appropriate authorities can be blocked across Nigerian networks, making it more difficult for criminals to continue using or reselling them.
Another major regulatory platform, the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System, is scheduled to become operational in October 2026. The system is designed to strengthen the management of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, while addressing risks associated with their misuse, reassignment and recycling.
The board also reviewed efforts to improve digital inclusion through the planned zero-rating of educational platforms and content. The initiative is intended to make online learning resources more accessible to students by reducing the cost of accessing selected educational services.
The programme was launched on September 10, with October 1 set as the scheduled go-live date.
Meanwhile, the commission raised concern over the resurgence of call masking within the telecommunications industry. It maintained that the practice undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and poses risks to the integrity of the sector.
The regulator said it would continue working with security agencies and other stakeholders to identify and eliminate call masking activities.
The developments come as Nigeria’s telecommunications industry continues to expand its infrastructure while facing growing demands for faster, more reliable and secure connectivity.
For millions of consumers and businesses that increasingly depend on mobile networks for communication, financial transactions, commerce and digital services, completing the remaining infrastructure commitments and protecting existing facilities will remain critical to improving service quality.
The commission said it would sustain regulatory measures aimed at strengthening network resilience, consumer protection, inclusive connectivity and the long-term growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
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