NCC Reports 70% Progress in Telecom Site Deployment, Raises Alarm Over Fibre Cuts

By Adedapo Adesanya

Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 coverage and capacity sites committed across Nigeria, representing approximately 70 per cent of their targets, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said.

The figure represents an increase from the roughly 5,000 sites reported earlier, signalling accelerated efforts by operators to expand network coverage and improve capacity across the country.

The disclosure was made by the NCC board at its 110th meeting, where it reviewed the commission’s strategic priorities, operational performance and developments affecting Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

However, the board warned that the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure must be matched by stronger protection of existing facilities, following a sharp rise in network disruptions caused by fibre cuts in June.

It called for sustained efforts to strengthen network resilience and service reliability, highlighting the impact of infrastructure damage on telecommunications services.

On digital security, the board disclosed that the NCC’s Device Management System had gone live, providing technology-driven support for device type-approval compliance.

The system is designed to improve the commission’s ability to verify device compliance, discourage the circulation of non-compliant devices and combat mobile phone theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian networks.

The board also noted that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System, alongside its associated business rules, was scheduled to go live in October 2026.

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

The NCC board reaffirmed 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.

On digital inclusion, the board reviewed progress towards developing a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria to improve students’ access to learning resources.

It commended the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, noting that the initiative was scheduled for an official launch on September 10, 2026, with implementation expected to commence on October 1, 2026.

The board also considered recommendations on the proposed repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), including a phased roadmap to strengthen its relevance and long-term sustainability.

The proposed plan includes two independent consultancies. The first will conduct a comprehensive audit of the institute’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position, while the second will assess the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning.

Meanwhile, the board expressed concern over the resurgence of call masking activities in the telecommunications industry, warning of their implications for the integrity, security and orderly development of the sector.

It reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on the practice, saying it undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes economic sabotage that could adversely affect the national economy.

The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to working with security and law-enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking.

It said the commission would continue to pursue regulatory measures aimed at strengthening network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.