The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released its Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports, revealing steady improvements in network quality across the country, particularly in median download speeds in both urban and rural areas.

Speaking during a media engagement on the reports, the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, said the exercise reflects the NCC’s commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

According to him, the reports were produced through the Commission’s collaboration with global internet analytics firm, Ookla, to provide independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experiences of telecoms consumers across cities, rural communities, highways and emerging 5G locations.

“The data enables us to track progress, identify gaps and guide targeted regulatory interventions, ranging from spectrum optimisation and infrastructure upgrades to quality-of-service enforcement and the expansion of rural connectivity,” Maida said.

He noted that the Q4 2025 data showed clear improvements when compared with the third quarter performance, adding that the gap in video Quality of Experience between urban and rural areas has narrowed, while the strength of Nigeria’s 4G network backbone continues to improve.

Dr. Maida, however, acknowledged that challenges remain in the sector, including gaps in 5G services and disparities in upload speeds, as highlighted in the reports. He said the Commission is actively engaging operators to address these issues, particularly mobile service coverage gaps.

The NCC boss disclosed that over $1 billion was invested in the telecommunications industry in 2025, leading to the deployment of more than 2,850 new network sites nationwide to expand coverage and capacity.

He added that the Commission has secured commitments from operators to surpass their 2025 investment levels in 2026, with infrastructure deployment expected to continue at an accelerated pace.

Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to work closely with industry stakeholders to translate the insights from the reports into improved connectivity, better quality of service and a more inclusive digital future for Nigerians.

NCC Calls for Responsible Data Reporting

In her address the Head of Public Affairs Department, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, said the quarterly reports are part of NCC’s efforts to ensure that accurate and timely industry data is properly understood and responsibly communicated to the Nigerian public.

Ukoha described the media as indispensable partners in shaping national conversations around telecommunications, noting that accurate reporting of industry data influences investor confidence, consumer trust and policy direction.

She explained that the engagement was designed to deepen journalists’ understanding of the Commission’s performance data and provide the context required to prevent misinterpretation, while improving the quality of information reaching the public.

“In reporting industry data, we encourage constructive framing that highlights progress alongside challenges, reflects investments and innovation, recognises improvements in quality of service and experience, and supports industry resilience,” she said.

According to her, the quarterly performance reports provide rich material for daily news coverage, feature writing, data-driven investigative journalism and background analysis, adding that the NCC values continued collaboration with the media to ensure balanced and impactful reporting.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, said transparency has become a guiding principle of the Commission’s regulatory approach, stressing that open access to information strengthens the industry, builds public trust and reinforces accountability among operators.

Oshadami disclosed that the NCC had expanded its transparency drive through a partnership with global analytics firm, Ookla, to develop nationwide network coverage maps that allow consumers to objectively compare network quality across locations and operators.

He said the partnership also led to the introduction of quarterly network performance reports to provide consistent, data-driven insights into how telecoms networks are performing nationwide.

“The first report, covering Q3 2025, was published in October last year. Today, we are pleased to formally present the Q4 2025 Network Performance Report and engage with stakeholders on its findings,” he said.

The Executive Commissioner noted that the reports indicate measurable improvements in network performance and quality of experience for consumers, adding that the engagement was aimed at highlighting key trends that matter to both consumers and industry stakeholders.

He urged the media to continue playing a strategic role in accurately telling stories of progress, accountability and reform within the telecommunications sector, while engaging critically with the data presented.

KANO FOCUS reports that he event concluded with a question-and-answer session, as the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to sustained collaboration with the media in driving a resilient and consumer-focused telecommunications industry.