Telecom firms spend over N2.5trn on infrastructure as NCC flags service challenges

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that telecommunications operators invested more than N2.5 trillion in network infrastructure in 2025, as the regulator intensifies efforts to address persistent complaints over poor service quality across the country.

According to the Commission, Mobile Network Operators accounted for over N2.13 trillion in infrastructure upgrades and expansion projects last year, while Tower Companies injected an additional N373.8 billion into the sector to strengthen network capacity, improve coverage, and modernise existing infrastructure.

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by NCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha.

“The sector is currently undergoing one of its most extensive network expansion and modernisation cycles in recent years, following a prolonged period of under-investment,” the statement read. “In 2025 alone, Mobile Network Operators invested over N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades, while Tower Companies invested an additional N373.8 billion across the sector.”

The regulator said the combined investments contributed to the addition and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecommunications sites nationwide, aimed at addressing congestion, coverage gaps, and capacity limitations in several parts of the country.

The NCC acknowledged rising consumer frustration over dropped calls, slow internet speeds, unstable data connections, and recurring service disruptions, noting that telecom services have become central to business operations, education, financial transactions, and everyday communication.

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“The Commission recognises the frustration experienced by consumers when calls drop, internet speeds slow down, data services become unstable, or service disruptions affect daily activities,” it stated.

Over the past two years, the regulator said it has intensified monitoring of operators, internet service providers, and infrastructure companies under strengthened data-driven oversight mechanisms as part of efforts to improve Quality of Service (QoS).

Looking ahead, the NCC said network expansion efforts would continue into 2026, driven by rising data consumption and increasing demand for digital services across the country. Industry operators, it added, have committed to deploying and upgrading more than 12,000 telecom sites this year, with nearly 3,000 already completed.

The Commission also revealed that over 730 additional 5G sites have been deployed across 27 states in 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to accelerate next-generation connectivity and expand broadband access.

It further listed ongoing interventions including densification of 4G and 5G networks, fibre backhaul expansion, targeted upgrades in high-traffic urban centres, rollout into underserved communities, and replacement of ageing infrastructure.

To improve efficiency, the NCC said it has facilitated the reallocation of idle and underutilised spectrum among major mobile operators under its Spectrum Trading Guidelines.

The NCC said it has begun enforcement actions against operators failing to meet service standards under the updated Quality of Service Regulations 2024. Enforcement commenced in November 2025 after a transition period granted to operators for equipment upgrades.

It explained that sanctions may include consumer compensation for poor service and additional investment obligations for infrastructure companies where lapses are identified.

“This enforcement will continue, and where operators fail to deliver measurable improvements, the Commission will take appropriate regulatory action, including escalation where necessary,” the statement warned.

The regulator also identified persistent fibre cuts, vandalism, theft of equipment, power disruptions, and restricted access for maintenance as major challenges affecting service delivery. It disclosed that over 27,000 fibre cut incidents were recorded in 2025, largely linked to construction activities and vandalism.