NCC: Telecom Operators Deploy 8,526 Network Sites, Hit 70% Expansion Target
By Patience Ikpeme
Telecommunications operators have deployed 8,526 new coverage and capacity sites across Nigeria, representing about 70 per cent of the 12,179 sites they committed to provide to improve network coverage and service quality.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed this in a communiqué issued after the 110th meeting of its Governing Board held on September 9, 2026.
The deployment marks a significant increase from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at the previous Board meeting, indicating faster progress by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in expanding their infrastructure.
The additional infrastructure is expected to improve network coverage and capacity and provide better Quality of Experience for telecommunications subscribers across the country.
However, the NCC said the expansion of telecom infrastructure must be matched with stronger protection of critical communications facilities, following a sharp increase in network disruptions caused by fibre cuts in June.
The Board said the development made it necessary for greater attention to be given to network resilience and service reliability.
The communiqué stated that the Board had taken note of the earlier public communication from its 109th meeting concerning the commitment of MNOs to deploy additional infrastructure to expand network coverage, capacity and Quality of Experience.
“8,526 out of the 12,179 committed coverage and capacity sites have now been deployed across the country, representing approximately 70% of the communicated commitments,” the Board said.
The NCC also announced that its Device Management System (DMS) is now operational as part of efforts to strengthen security and trust within the telecommunications sector.
According to the Commission, the technology platform will improve the enforcement of type-approval requirements by enabling it to verify whether telecommunications devices meet regulatory standards.
The system will also help discourage the circulation of non-compliant devices in the country and support efforts to tackle mobile-phone theft.
The Board said reported stolen mobile devices could be blocked across Nigerian telecommunications networks through the DMS.
The development is part of a wider effort by the NCC to use technology to improve security and integrity within the telecommunications ecosystem and the broader digital economy.
The Commission is also preparing to introduce another technology platform, the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), which is scheduled to go live in October 2026.
The system is expected to strengthen the management of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks linked to the misuse, reassignment and recycling of such identities.
The NCC said the need for stronger controls had become more important because mobile numbers are increasingly connected to financial, social and other digital services.
The Board said the deployment of the DMS, TIRMS and related 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 Commission is also moving ahead with its plan to provide zero-rated access to educational platforms and content.
The Board reviewed progress made by the NCC in discussions with telecommunications operators and other stakeholders on the framework for the initiative, which is designed to promote digital inclusion and improve students’ access to educational resources.
The initiative was officially launched on September 10, while the Go-Live date has been fixed for October 1, 2026.
The Board said the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders had been working with the Commission to support the programme.
The NCC is expected to monitor the implementation of the initiative to ensure that it can be sustained.
Meanwhile, the Board has expressed concern over the reported resurgence of call masking in the telecommunications industry and declared that the Commission maintains a zero-tolerance position towards the practice.
Call masking involves concealing or manipulating the identity of the originating telephone number during a call, making a different number appear to the person receiving the call.
The NCC said the practice poses risks to the integrity and security of the telecommunications system.
It also said call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations and distorts industry revenues.
The Board described the practice as “an act of economic sabotage” that could have adverse effects on the national economy.
It said the Commission would work with relevant security and law-enforcement agencies, telecommunications operators and other industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking activities.
The Board also considered plans to reposition the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) as part of efforts to strengthen the institution’s relevance and long-term sustainability.
It considered a proposed strategic roadmap and a phased approach to the repositioning exercise.
Two independent consultancies are expected to support the process.
While the first consultancy will 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.
The Board said the Commission would continue to pursue regulatory measures aimed at strengthening network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection and fair competition in the telecommunications sector.
It also said its regulatory actions would support the sustainable development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
