The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced on Tuesday that more than 75 million telecom subscribers have received compensation from mobile network operators (MNOs) following regulatory directives aimed at addressing poor service quality. The disclosure came in a statement after the 109th meeting of the NCC’s governing board, where members reviewed the implementation of measures to improve service delivery in the telecommunications sector.
Compensation Directive Implementation
In March, the NCC ordered MNOs to provide redress to subscribers affected by poor quality of service in locations where prescribed service standards were not met. The board noted substantial progress in the implementation of this directive, with full compliance resulting in compensation for over 75 million affected subscribers.
This development comes amid persistent complaints from telecom users about dropped calls, network congestion, poor voice quality, and slow internet connectivity across various parts of the country. The NCC encouraged consumers to continue engaging with the commission as it works to boost service quality and protect subscriber interests.
Partial Compliance by TowerCos
The regulator stated that Co-location and Infrastructure Sharing Licensees (TowerCos) have only partially complied with the directive requiring them to fund escrow accounts with the full amount of regulatory fines for infrastructure reinvestment. The board emphasized the importance of full compliance to ensure sustainable infrastructure improvements.
Infrastructure Expansion Efforts
The NCC acknowledged recent efforts by MNOs to enhance network coverage, capacity, and overall quality of experience across the country. Mobile operators have planned the deployment of over 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites, with more than 5,000 already completed—representing over 40% completion rate.
Continued investments in telecom infrastructure include fiber connectivity extended to more than 700 sites to strengthen network resilience, improve backhaul capacity, and enhance service reliability. Infrastructure providers have also deployed new equipment across over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to support network expansion and improve service quality.
Infrastructure Vandalism Concerns
The NCC expressed concern over the continued vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a major challenge to industry growth. The commission noted ongoing efforts by security agencies to protect telecom facilities designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure.
