NCC Reports 70% Deployment of Operators’ Committed Network Sites

…As Commission moves to strengthen digital trust, zero-rate educational platforms

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has disclosed that Mobile Network Operators, MNOs have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 additional coverage and capacity sites they committed to roll out across the country.

The figure represents approximately 70 per cent of the commitments and marks significant progress from the about 5,000 sites reported at the Commission’s previous board meeting.

The NCC disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the end of its 110th Board Meeting held on September 9, 2026.

The Board, while reviewing updates on strategic priorities, operational performance and developments in the telecommunications market, noted that the infrastructure deployment was aimed at expanding network coverage and capacity while improving the quality of experience for telecommunications subscribers.

However, the Board expressed concern over the sharp rise in network disruptions recorded in June, attributing the development partly to fibre cuts.

It stressed that the ongoing expansion of telecommunications infrastructure must be complemented by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure, with greater emphasis on network resilience and service reliability.

The Board also reviewed the Commission’s deployment of technology platforms designed to strengthen trust, security and integrity within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem and the wider digital economy.

It noted that the Device Management System, DMS is now live and supports enhanced compliance with type-approval requirements through technology.

According to the Board, the DMS will enable the Commission to improve verification of device compliance, discourage the circulation of non-compliant devices and support efforts to combat mobile device theft by facilitating the blocking of reported stolen devices across Nigerian networks.

The Board further disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System, TIRMS, alongside its associated business rules, is scheduled to go live in October 2026.

TIRMS is expected to strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks associated with the misuse, reassignment or recycling of such identities, particularly as telephone numbers become increasingly linked to financial, social and other digital services.

The Board, however, emphasised that the deployment of the regulatory technology platforms must protect consumers, support lawful digital services and strengthen market integrity while complying with applicable legal, privacy and data protection requirements.

The NCC Board also reviewed progress towards establishing a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria.

It said the initiative was designed to promote digital inclusion and improve students’ access to educational resources.

The Board commended the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in advancing the initiative.

It disclosed that the initiative would be officially launched on September 10, 2026, with the Go-Live date scheduled for October 1, 2026.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the sustainable implementation of the initiative.

The Board also considered proposals for the strategic repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute, DBI, including the development of a roadmap to enhance the institute’s relevance and long-term sustainability.

It noted a proposed phased approach to the exercise, supported by two independent consultancies.

While one consultancy is expected to conduct a comprehensive audit of DBI’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position, the second will assess the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning initiative.

The Board expressed concern over the resurgence of call masking activities in the telecommunications industry, describing the practice as a threat to the integrity, security and orderly development of the sector.

It reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance position on call masking, which it described as an unacceptable practice and a serious regulatory concern.

According to the Board, call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes economic sabotage capable of adversely affecting the national economy.

The Commission consequently reaffirmed its resolve to work with relevant security and law-enforcement agencies as well as industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking activities.

The Board meeting ended with a commitment by the Commission to continue promoting transparency in its operations and pursuing regulatory actions that support network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

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