NCC Reports 70% Completion of Telecom Operators’ Infrastructure Expansion Commitments
Commission says 8,526 of 12,179 planned sites have been deployed, while fibre cuts and call masking remain major industry concerns.
By Tope Bankole
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that mobile network operators have deployed 8,526 out of 12,179 committed network coverage and capacity sites across the country, representing approximately 70 per cent completion of their infrastructure expansion commitments.
The Commission disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the end of its 110th Board Meeting held on September 9, 2026, where it reviewed developments in the telecommunications industry, regulatory priorities and initiatives aimed at improving service delivery.
According to the communiqué, the number of deployed sites represents significant progress from approximately 5,000 sites reported at the Board’s previous meeting.
The Board, however, expressed concern over the sharp increase in network disruptions recorded in June, attributing the development partly to fibre cuts.
It stressed that infrastructure expansion must be accompanied by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure to improve network resilience and service reliability.
The Board also reviewed the Commission’s efforts to strengthen digital trust and security through the deployment of technology platforms designed to improve regulatory compliance and protect telecommunications users.
It noted that the Device Management System (DMS) is now operational and is supporting enhanced compliance with type approval requirements.
The system is expected to improve the Commission’s ability to verify device compliance, discourage the circulation of non-compliant devices and support efforts to combat mobile device theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian networks.
The Board further disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), alongside its associated business rules, is scheduled to go live in October 2026.
The system is designed to strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks associated with their misuse, reassignment and recycling, particularly as such identities become increasingly connected to financial and other digital services.
The Board emphasised that the implementation of the regulatory technology platforms must protect consumers, support lawful digital services and comply with applicable legal, privacy and data protection requirements.
NCC Targets Affordable Access to Educational Content
On digital inclusion, the Board reviewed progress towards establishing a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
The initiative is aimed at improving students’ access to educational resources and promoting digital inclusion.
The Board commended the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their collaboration, noting that the initiative was scheduled for official launch on September 10, 2026, with a go-live date of October 1, 2026.
It reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring the sustainable implementation of the programme.
Digital Bridge Institute Undergoes Strategic Repositioning
The Board also considered proposals for the strategic repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), including the development of a roadmap to strengthen the institution’s relevance and long-term sustainability.
It noted a proposed phased approach to the exercise, supported by two independent consultancies.
The first consultancy is expected to conduct a comprehensive audit of the institute’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position, while the second will assess the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning initiative.
NCC Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Call Masking
The Board expressed concern over the resurgence of call masking activities in the telecommunications industry, describing the practice as a serious regulatory concern with implications for the integrity, security and orderly development of the sector.
It reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance position on call masking, stating that the practice undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes economic sabotage capable of adversely affecting the national economy.
The Board reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to work with relevant security and law-enforcement agencies, as well as industry stakeholders, to identify, prevent and eliminate the practice.
The communiqué stated that the Commission would continue to promote transparency in its operations and pursue regulatory measures that support network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The communiqué was signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Nnenna Ukoha, and dated September 13, 2026.
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