Barbara Bako, Abuja.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says mobile network operators have completed about 70 per cent of the network coverage and capacity sites they committed to deploy across Nigeria as part of efforts to improve telecom services nationwide.
The Commission disclosed this in a communiqué issued after its 110th Board Meeting held on September 9, 2026, where it reviewed industry performance, regulatory priorities and key developments in the telecommunications sector.
According to the NCC, operators have deployed 8,526 out of the 12,179 sites earlier pledged, marking a significant increase from the roughly 5,000 sites reported at the previous board meeting.
The Board said the deployment reflects accelerated investment in expanding network coverage, increasing capacity and improving customers’ quality of experience across the country.
Despite the progress, the Commission expressed concern over the rise in network disruptions caused by fibre cuts in June, stressing that stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure is necessary to improve network resilience and service reliability.
The Board also announced that the Device Management System (DMS) is now operational. It said the platform will help verify compliant mobile devices, discourage the use of substandard devices and enable stolen phones to be blocked across Nigerian networks.
In addition, the Commission said the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) will go live in October 2026 to strengthen the management of mobile identities and reduce risks linked to SIM reassignment, recycling and misuse.
The NCC further said its zero-rated educational platforms initiative will become operational from October 1, 2026, giving students free access to approved educational content in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders.
The Board also raised concerns over the resurgence of call masking, describing it as a serious regulatory violation that undermines legitimate telecom operations, distorts industry revenues and threatens the country’s digital economy.
It reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working with security agencies and industry stakeholders to eliminate call masking and promote a secure, resilient and inclusive telecommunications ecosystem.
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