The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched new regulatory frameworks to monitor and track Nigeria’s $1 billion telecom infrastructure upgrade, promising transparency, service quality improvements, and consumer protection amid rising concerns over network vandalism.
The NCC says it has established a set of regulatory measures to ensure transparency, value for money, and effective tracking of the ongoing $1 billion telecom network deployment, which aims to overhaul the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The move comes as Nigeria’s telecom sector grapples with escalating cases of vandalism and theft of critical infrastructure, which have caused network disruptions, service blackouts, and mounting financial losses for operators despite significant new investments in network expansion.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Commission is determined to ensure that the massive infrastructure rollout translates into tangible improvements in telecom services, without compromising affordability for subscribers.
He explained that the NCC’s approach is rooted in the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003, which mandates the regulator to promote fair competition, ensure affordability, and foster widespread digital access.
“This is not just about infrastructure rollout; it’s about ensuring that the money spent translates into better quality of service, equitable access, and fair pricing for Nigerians,” the chief regulator said.
The $1bn equipment shipment, which started arriving in Nigeria between June and July 2025, follows a decade of underinvestment and rising operational costs for telecom operators. The procurement was made possible after the government approved a 50 per cent tariff adjustment in February 2025, giving telcos financial room to invest in critical upgrades.
Nigerian telecom operators were indeed reluctant to invest in new infrastructure for many years due to high operating costs, vandalism, and a challenging business environment that led to prolonged losses and dilapidated network facilities.
The existing telecom infrastructure had deteriorated significantly, contributing to poor network quality, dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and frequent outages, particularly due to vandalism and fibre cuts, which remained a critical problem despite regulatory efforts to protect the infrastructure.
To monitor this unprecedented investment, Maida said the NCC has refined its market oversight framework. The NCC is now conducting detailed cost studies to ensure tariffs remain cost-reflective without placing excessive burdens on consumers.
“We are currently refining market definitions to reflect new industry realities. Our goal is to create an environment where operators can thrive but also where consumers get value for their money,” Maida explained.
As part of its monitoring strategy, the NCC has introduced monthly engagement sessions with mobile network operators. According to Maida, these sessions allow operators to share their deployment plans, report progress, and highlight any challenges requiring regulatory support.
“This collaborative process helps us track milestones, ensure timely execution, and intervene where necessary to remove bottlenecks,” the NCC chief noted. “It ensures that the investments made are not just theoretical but result in real improvements that Nigerians can feel.”
The NCC also emphasised that the network upgrades are expected to improve broadband penetration, enhance 4G and 5G services, and address long-standing issues such as network congestion and dropped calls.
The regulator reiterated that while operators need to recoup their investments, the Commission remains committed to consumer affordability and universal access to digital services.
“We are using data-driven oversight tools to strike the right balance, protecting both the operators’ business viability and the interests of the Nigerian public,” he added.
The PUNCH