Telecom operators to boost network investment in 2026 after $1bn infrastructure spend in 2025 — NCC

Mobile network operators in Nigeria are planning to significantly increase their investment in network infrastructure in 2026, with commitments to spend more than the over $1 billion invested in the sector last year, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said.

The regulator disclosed that the renewed investment drive follows heavy capital expenditure by telecom operators in 2025, during which more than 2,850 new network sites were deployed nationwide.

The expansion improved network coverage across urban centres, rural communities and major transport corridors, while also supporting the gradual rollout of 5G services.

Speaking on the development, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the gains highlighted in the Commission’s latest network performance report were largely driven by last year’s infrastructure spending.

He confirmed that operators have now pledged to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026.

According to Dr Maida, the push for increased spending is coming at a time when Nigeria is grappling with surging data demand, rising operating costs and the urgent need to extend reliable connectivity beyond major cities.

He noted that expanding digital access remains critical for economic growth and social inclusion in Africa’s most populous nation.

The NCC explained that last year’s infrastructure expansion followed a period of financial strain in the telecoms sector, during which operators sought tariff adjustments to remain sustainable.

A subsequent 50 per cent increase in service charges, approved by regulators, helped restore profitability and enabled operators to resume more aggressive investment plans.

Data from the NCC’s fourth-quarter 2025 network performance report showed steady improvements across key performance indicators.

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These included higher median download speeds in both urban and rural areas, as well as a narrowing gap in video quality experience between different locations.

The Commission said it relies on independently verified data from global analytics firms such as Ookla to guide regulatory decisions on spectrum optimisation, infrastructure upgrades and rural connectivity initiatives.

Despite the progress recorded, the NCC acknowledged that challenges remain. These include gaps in 5G availability, disparities in upload speeds and limited mobile coverage in some parts of the country.

Dr Maida said the planned increase in infrastructure spending in 2026 would be crucial to addressing these shortcomings and meeting Nigeria’s rapidly growing data needs.

The Commission added that the regular publication of network performance reports is part of its broader commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation.

It expressed optimism that increased investment by operators would lead to further improvements in network reliability, speed and coverage, helping to build a more inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem for Nigerians.