Telcos Invest N2.5tn In Network Upgrades As NCC Moves To Curb Rising Service Complaints
NCC says telcos invested N2.5 trillion in networks amid complaints, orders stricter enforcement on service quality across Nigeria.
NCC says telcos invested N2.5 trillion in networks amid complaints, orders stricter enforcement on service quality across Nigeria.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says telecommunications operators invested more than N2.5 trillion in network infrastructure in 2025 as it intensifies efforts to address growing complaints over poor service quality across the country.
According to the regulator, Mobile Network Operators committed over N2.13 trillion to infrastructure upgrades last year, while Tower Companies invested an additional N373.8 billion to expand and modernise telecommunications infrastructure nationwide.
The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the NCC and signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha.
“The sector is currently undergoing one of its most extensive network expansion and modernisation cycles in recent years, following a prolonged period of under-investment. In 2025 alone, Mobile Network Operators invested over N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades, while Tower Companies invested an additional N373.8 billion across the sector,” the commission said.
The NCC said the investments supported the addition and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecoms sites across the country to ease congestion, improve coverage and expand capacity.
It acknowledged growing public dissatisfaction over dropped calls, slow internet speeds, unstable data connections and frequent service disruptions, noting that telecom services have become essential to business, education, financial transactions and daily life.
“The Commission recognises the frustration experienced by consumers when calls drop, internet speeds slow down, data services become unstable, or service disruptions affect daily activities,” the statement said.
Despite the challenges, the regulator said it has intensified Quality of Service monitoring over the past two years, using stronger data-driven oversight of operators, internet service providers and tower companies.
The NCC said network expansion efforts are continuing in 2026, with operators responding to rising demand for digital services and increased data consumption nationwide.
According to the commission, industry players have committed to adding and upgrading more than 12,000 telecom sites this year, with about 3,000 already completed.
It added that over 730 additional 5G sites have been deployed across 27 states as part of efforts to accelerate next-generation connectivity.
The NCC also highlighted ongoing interventions including expanded 4G and 5G deployment, fibre backhaul expansion, urban network upgrades, rural coverage expansion and replacement of outdated equipment.
It further disclosed that idle spectrum has been reallocated among major mobile operators under its Spectrum Trading Guidelines to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Recent assessments, the commission said, show gradual improvements in network performance, with 4G penetration rising from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent currently, while median download speeds increased from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps.
It also noted that power availability at telecom sites improved from 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent.
However, the NCC admitted that challenges persist in several areas, including congestion, poor call quality and unstable internet services.
The regulator said it has begun enforcement actions under the revised Quality of Service Regulations 2024 against operators failing to meet required standards.
“This enforcement will continue, and where operators fail to deliver measurable improvements, the Commission will take appropriate regulatory action, including escalation where necessary,” it warned.
The NCC identified persistent fibre cuts, vandalism, equipment theft, power disruptions and restricted access to sites as key external factors affecting service delivery.
It revealed that over 27,000 avoidable fibre-cut incidents were recorded in 2025, largely due to construction activities and vandalism.
The commission said it is working with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to enforce the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure and curb telecom equipment theft.
It also said it is collaborating with federal and state ministries of works to reduce fibre damage during road construction projects.
Operators have now been directed to notify subscribers during major outages and restore services within defined timelines, while details of disruptions will be published on the NCC’s outage reporting portal.
The commission also said it is conducting a market study to establish a wholesale broadband segment to support smaller internet service providers and reduce access costs.
Following the approval of a 50 per cent tariff adjustment last year, the NCC said operators have invested over $1 billion in infrastructure expansion to improve capacity.
It reiterated that despite ongoing investments, enforcement would continue to ensure operators deliver measurable improvements in service quality nationwide.
