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NCC releases Q4 2025 network performance report, records improved service quality
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.
Suspect returned to Kano to face investigation, prosecution
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Multi-Agency Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has arrested a suspected gang leader and sponsor, Ishaq Lawan Ibrahim, popularly known as Malam Keya, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
KANO FOCUS reports that the 27-year-old suspect, from Yelwa in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, is accused of sponsoring violent gang clashes that have claimed lives and heightened insecurity in parts of the state.
The task force disclosed this in a statement, saying the suspect was arrested following intelligence-led operations after allegedly fleeing Kano as security operations against gang violence intensified.
According to the statement, operatives tracked him to Port Harcourt and arrested him in an operation led by the task force’s Head of Operations, CSP Bashir Gwadabe. He has since been returned to Kano.
The task force alleged that Malam Keya played a leading role in orchestrating and financing hoodlums involved in violent attacks in Dala and other affected communities.
The areas reportedly affected by the gang violence include Jakara, Madigawa, Yalwa, Sanka, Kul Kul, Dogon Nama, Kukar Bulukiya, Dala, Shatsari and Dandalin Turawa.
Confirming the arrest, the task force chairman, Barr Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, said the operation demonstrated the agency’s determination to pursue suspected sponsors of violence beyond Kano State.
“Let me assure you that those who bankroll violence should know that no distance, and no hiding place, will protect them. This arrest is only the beginning. We will not rest until peace is fully restored,” he said.
The task force said the suspect remained in custody for further investigation and would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
It added that its operations would continue in accordance with the law, with all suspects entitled to due process.
The agency also pledged to sustain efforts to dismantle criminal gangs, identify their alleged sponsors and disrupt drug supply networks linked to criminal activities.
It urged residents, community and religious leaders, parents and youths to support security efforts by reporting suspicious persons and activities, monitoring their neighbourhoods and discouraging young people from being recruited into criminal gangs.
The task force described public cooperation as essential to restoring peace and security across the state.
It also acknowledged the support of the Kano and Rivers state police commands and other law enforcement agencies in the operation.
Ibrahim Khalil
The Kano State Small Towns Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (KASSTOWA) has strengthened security at Joda Waterworks to prevent vandalism, theft and unauthorised access to the facility.
KANO FOCUS reports that the agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, following an assessment visit to the waterworks by its interim managing director to evaluate the security situation.
According to the statement, additional security personnel have been deployed to protect the facility and ensure uninterrupted water supply.
The agency said the measure was part of efforts to safeguard critical water infrastructure and protect public assets from potential threats.
It added that the intervention aligned with the commitment of the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to protecting government facilities and ensuring the delivery of essential services, in collaboration with the state’s Ministry of Water Resources.
KASSTOWA also emphasised the importance of inter-agency collaboration in strengthening infrastructure protection.
The agency called on community leaders, traditional institutions, youth organisations and residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities and cooperate with security personnel deployed to the facility.
It stressed that protecting water infrastructure was a shared responsibility requiring the cooperation of government agencies and host communities.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Kano State Police Command has foiled an alleged kidnapping plot in Gezawa Local Government Area and arrested two 20-year-old suspects over threats to abduct a village head.
KANO FOCUS reports that the suspects, identified as Aliyu Naziru Garba and Bashir Alhasan, were arrested following intelligence-led operations by police operatives attached to the Gezawa Divisional Police Headquarters.
The command disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.
According to the statement, the incident was reported on October 26, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m. by the village head of Bangare, Mallam Idris, who told the police that he had received a threatening phone call from an unidentified person on October 24 at about 9:33 p.m.
The caller allegedly threatened to kidnap him.
Following the report, police operatives launched a follow-up operation, which led to the arrest of the two suspects.
“The suspects have confessed to the commission of the crime,” the statement said, adding that investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court upon completion.
The Commissioner of Police in Kano State, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, commended officers of the Gezawa Division for their swift and professional response.
Bakori reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance stance on criminal activities and said the operation aligned with the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, which prioritises intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, professionalism and proactive crime prevention.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons or movements to the nearest police station.
The command also provided the following emergency contact numbers for reporting security concerns: 08032419754, 08123821575 and 09029292926.
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