The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says mobile network operators (MNOs) have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 additional coverage and capacity sites they committed to providing across the country.
The development represents about 70 per cent implementation of the operators’ commitments and reflects significant progress in efforts to expand network coverage, improve capacity and enhance quality of experience for telecommunications subscribers.
The NCC disclosed this in a communiqué issued on Sunday, September 13, 2026 and signed by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha.
The Board recalled that it had, at its 109th meeting, announced the commitment of MNOs to deploy additional infrastructure to address network coverage and capacity challenges across the country.
According to the Commission, the number of sites deployed has risen sharply from approximately 5,000 reported at its previous meeting to 8,526.
Despite the progress, however, the Board expressed concern over the impact of fibre cuts on network performance, noting that the incidents contributed to a sharp increase in network disruptions in June.
It stressed that infrastructure expansion must be accompanied by stronger protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure to guarantee network resilience and service reliability.
The Board also reviewed the Commission’s efforts to strengthen trust, security and integrity within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem through the deployment of technology-driven regulatory platforms.
It noted that the Device Management System (DMS) is now live and supporting enhanced compliance with type-approval requirements.
The system, according to the Board, will enable the NCC to verify device compliance more effectively, discourage the circulation of non-compliant devices and support efforts to combat mobile device theft.
It will also allow reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian telecommunications 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 and recycling of such identities.
The Commission said the need for stronger identity governance had become more important as mobile numbers were 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 privacy and data-protection requirements.
The NCC Board also reviewed progress towards the introduction of a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
The initiative is designed to promote digital inclusion and make educational resources more accessible to students.
The Board commended the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their collaboration in advancing the initiative.
It noted that the initiative was officially launched on September 10, while the go-live date has been scheduled for October 1, 2026.
The Commission said it would continue to monitor implementation to ensure that the initiative is sustained.
The Board also considered proposals for the strategic repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), including the development of a roadmap aimed at strengthening its relevance and long-term sustainability.
It endorsed a proposed phased approach involving two independent consultancies.
The first consultancy will conduct a comprehensive audit of the institute’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position, while the second will examine the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning.
The Board expressed concern over the reported resurgence of call masking activities in the telecommunications industry and reaffirmed the Commission’s zero-tolerance stance against the practice.
It described call masking as an unacceptable practice and a serious regulatory concern capable of undermining the integrity, security and orderly development of the telecommunications ecosystem.
The Board said call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes economic sabotage with potential adverse consequences for the national economy.
It consequently reaffirmed the NCC’s resolve to work with security and law-enforcement agencies as well as industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking activities.
The Commission said it would continue to pursue regulatory measures aimed at strengthening network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection and fair competition, while promoting the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.