NCC: Telecom upgrades drive better service quality, surge in data usage
….as one single operator invested one billion dollars Mobile network operators are delivering measurable improvements in service quality and user experience nationwide, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications
....as one single operator invested one billion dollars
Mobile network operators are delivering measurable improvements in service quality and user experience nationwide, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Wada Maida, said on Friday.
Maida disclosed that data consumption has risen by more than 170 per cent, driven by extensive upgrades of telecom infrastructure and tower sites across the country.
He revealed that one operator alone invested about $1 billion in network upgrades, in addition to industry-wide investments exceeding $1 billion in the previous year.
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According to him, over 3,000 tower sites and related infrastructure were upgraded last year, while the Commission has set a target of 12,000 site upgrades in 2026. Of this figure, about 2,800 had been completed as of April.
Maida said the investments have resulted in significant improvements in service delivery, with consumers reporting better network experience. He noted a sharp decline in complaints, from 351,000 recorded in January 2025 to 76,000 in January 2026.
Speaking at a media parley in Abuja, he urged Nigerians to remain patient as reforms in the sector continue to yield results, expressing optimism that current trends point to sustained improvements.
He added that the Commission is working to support local assembly and manufacturing of smartphones to enhance affordability and promote digital inclusion.
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Maida further stated that 52 per cent of telecom users have migrated from 2G and 3G networks to 4G, reflecting increased smartphone adoption among Nigerians.
On regulatory standards, he emphasised that Nigeria will continue to align with global best practices, noting that phone numbers are managed internationally by the International Telecommunication Union. He explained that inactive numbers may be withdrawn after one year of non-use.
The NCC boss also said the Federal Government is tackling security challenges through coordinated efforts led by the Office of the National Security Adviser, focusing on cybercrime and the misuse of digital platforms by criminal elements.
Responding to questions on the difficulty in tracking criminals using mobile devices, Maida said stakeholders are developing a comprehensive cybersecurity framework, but declined further details due to the sensitive nature of the issue.
He added that the Commission has introduced a revised internet code of practice for mobile network operators to ensure compliance and facilitate the removal of harmful online content.
"I can assure you that all stakeholders are working together to address some of the issues. The Nigerian Film and Censor Board, the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, the National Broadcasting Commission, all these agencies are working in synergy to address the challenges.
"There are occasions where inappropriate contents have been taken down some platforms to protect the citizens and children," Dr Maida said.
To protect children from inappropriate contents on the social media, the EVC also advised parents to take necessary actions on the kinds of smartphones and sites their children have access to while using smartphones, saying inappropriately exposure to some contents could have far reaching implications on the society.
