The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have installed 8,526 out of the 12,179 additional network coverage and capacity sites they pledged to deploy nationwide.
The commission disclosed this in a communiqué issued by the Office of the Commission Secretary following its 110th Board meeting held on September 9, 2026.
According to the NCC, the 8,526 sites amount to approximately 70 per cent of the operators’ commitments to improve network coverage, capacity and quality of experience.
The commission said the latest figure indicates significant progress from the roughly 5,000 sites recorded at its previous board meeting.
However, the NCC raised concerns about the effect of fibre cuts on telecommunications services, saying the incidents contributed to a significant increase in network disruptions in June.
The Board emphasised that the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure must be accompanied by stronger measures to protect critical communications infrastructure and enhance network resilience and service dependability.
The commission also announced that its Device Management System (DMS) is now operational and supporting improved compliance with type approval requirements.
It said the system would strengthen its capacity to confirm device compliance, limit the circulation of non-compliant devices and combat mobile device theft by allowing reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian networks.
The Board further disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) and its accompanying business rules are expected to become operational in October 2026.
According to the commission, TIRMS will improve the management of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, while reducing risks linked to their misuse, reassignment and recycling.
The NCC noted that the system is particularly significant because telecommunications identities are becoming increasingly connected to financial, social and other digital services.
The Board also assessed ongoing efforts to establish a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
The commission said the programme was designed to advance digital inclusion and enable students to gain better access to educational materials.
It added that the initiative was formally launched on September 10, with October 1, 2026, set as the go-live date.
The Board praised the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their cooperation in moving the initiative forward.
Regarding the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the Board reviewed recommendations for its strategic repositioning, including plans to develop a roadmap aimed at strengthening its relevance and ensuring long-term sustainability.
It stated that the proposed repositioning would be carried out in phases with the support of two independent consulting firms.
The first consultancy will undertake a detailed assessment of DBI’s structure, operations, workforce and institutional standing, while the second will evaluate the commercial and legal feasibility of the proposed repositioning.
The Board also raised concerns over the renewed prevalence of call masking activities within the telecommunications sector.
It restated the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on call masking, describing the practice as unacceptable and a major regulatory concern.
According to the NCC, call masking disrupts legitimate telecommunications operations, affects industry revenues and amounts to economic sabotage that could negatively impact the national economy.
The commission said it would sustain collaboration with security and law-enforcement agencies, alongside industry stakeholders, to detect, prevent and eradicate call masking activities.
The Board affirmed that the commission would continue implementing regulatory measures designed to improve network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and the sustainable development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
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