NCC Reports 70% Progress On Network Expansion, Warns Of Fibre Cuts
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says mobile network operators have deployed 8,526 of 12,179 committed coverage and capacity sites, reaching about 70 per cent of their expansion target.
The progress signals a significant push to improve network coverage and service quality across Nigeria, but the NCC says infrastructure expansion must be matched with stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure.
The Commission’s Governing Board disclosed this at its 110th meeting held on September 9, 2026, noting that deployments had risen sharply from about 5,000 sites reported at its previous meeting.
The Board, however, expressed concern that fibre cuts contributed to a sharp increase in network disruptions in June, underscoring the need to strengthen network resilience and service reliability.
It also announced progress on digital security measures.
The Device Management System (DMS) is now live, enabling the NCC to verify device compliance and block reported stolen devices across Nigerian networks.
Meanwhile, the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) is scheduled to go live in October to strengthen the governance of mobile identities and curb their misuse.
The Board further confirmed that the NCC’s zero-rating initiative for educational platforms, aimed at improving students’ access to digital learning resources, was officially launched on September 10, with the go-live date set for October 1, 2026.
The Board also reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on call masking, describing the practice as a serious regulatory concern that distorts industry revenues and could amount to economic sabotage.
The NCC said it would work with security agencies and industry stakeholders to eliminate the practice.
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