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NCC assures Nigerians of improved telecom services amid quality concerns
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has acknowledged growing public concerns over the quality of telecommunications services in parts of the country, assuring consumers that efforts are underway to improve network performance and service delivery nationwide.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, the Commission said it recognised the frustration experienced by consumers due to dropped calls, slow internet speeds, unstable data services, and other service disruptions affecting daily activities.
According to the Commission, telecommunications services have become central to economic and social activities, including business, education, and access to essential services, stressing that consumers deserve reliable services and value for money.
The NCC disclosed that improving Quality of Service (QoS) has remained a major regulatory priority over the past two years. It said the Commission had intensified monitoring of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and Tower Companies, while strengthening data-driven oversight and engagement with relevant institutions to tackle structural challenges affecting service delivery.
The Commission noted that the telecommunications sector is currently undergoing one of its largest network expansion and modernisation drives in recent years, following what it described as a prolonged period of under-investment.
According to the statement, Mobile Network Operators invested over ₦2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades in 2025 alone, while Tower Companies committed an additional ₦373.8 billion to the sector. These investments supported the addition and upgrade of more than 2,800 telecommunications sites across the country.
The NCC explained that the interventions included deployment of additional 4G and 5G infrastructure, expansion of fibre backhaul systems, targeted installations in high-demand urban areas, rollout of services to underserved communities, and replacement of ageing network equipment.
It added that the expansion drive has continued into 2026, with operators committing to add or upgrade more than 12,000 sites within the year, of which nearly 3,000 have already been completed. The Commission further disclosed that over 730 new 5G sites had been deployed across 27 states so far in 2026.
The Commission also revealed that it had facilitated the reallocation of idle and underutilised radio spectrum among the three major mobile network operators in line with its Spectrum Trading Guidelines. According to the NCC, the move is aimed at improving spectral efficiency, increasing network capacity, and enhancing service performance.
The statement noted that recent Quality of Service and Quality of Experience assessments conducted by the Commission indicated gradual improvements in network coverage, capacity, and average data download speeds in several parts of the country.
It said national median download speeds had increased from 16.5Mbps in January 2024 to 20Mbps currently, while 4G penetration rose from 45 per cent to 54 per cent within the same period. Power availability at telecom towers also improved from a national average of 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent presently.
Despite the improvements, the Commission admitted that consumers in some locations still experience poor call quality, congestion, slow internet speeds, and service instability, stressing that operators must accelerate the pace and consistency of improvements.
The NCC also disclosed that it is conducting a market study aimed at creating a wholesale broadband market segment to enable smaller and localised Internet Service Providers to expand internet access at lower costs. It said the initiative complements government-backed projects such as Project BRIDGE aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
On challenges affecting service quality, the Commission identified frequent fibre cuts, vandalism, theft of telecom equipment, power-related disruptions, and denial of access to network sites as major obstacles.
It revealed that over 27,000 avoidable fibre-cut incidents linked mainly to road construction activities and vandalism were recorded nationwide in 2025 alone, with significant impact on network performance and service availability.
According to the NCC, it is collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser and other stakeholders to enforce the Presidential Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure and curb the activities of syndicates involved in telecom infrastructure vandalism and theft.
The Commission further stated that operators have been directed to notify consumers promptly whenever major outages occur and to restore affected services within stipulated timelines. It added that details of major incidents are now being published on the Commission’s Major Network Outages Reporting Portal.
The NCC said enforcement of the updated Quality of Service Regulations 2024 commenced in November 2025 after operators were granted a transition period to procure and install equipment required to improve service delivery.
It warned that enforcement actions, including consumer compensation measures and additional investment obligations for operators failing to meet performance standards, would continue where measurable improvements are not achieved.
The Commission commended the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the National Assembly, the Office of the National Security Adviser, and other stakeholders for supporting efforts to improve service quality in the sector.
It also appealed to federal, state and local governments, as well as host communities, to support the protection of telecommunications infrastructure and create an enabling environment for sustained investment in the industry.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigerians enjoy reliable, affordable, and high-quality telecommunications services, insisting that the industry must now deliver measurable improvements in service quality.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Cement Transport has scaled up series of impactful, and technology backed programmes designed to improve performance, governance and compliance to road safety.
A statement from the Branding and Communications Department of the company said the enhanced programmes cover key operational areas, including performance metrics, strengthened governance standards, and improved accountability frameworks.
It further noted that the programmes also extend to comprehensive driver training and competency development, technology-enabled safety systems, journey management protocols, and regular recertification processes.
Other components include mandatory drug screening, strategic partnerships and collaborations, as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments, sustainability programmes, and community impact programmes, among others.
The statement signed by the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, recalled that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had recently commended the company for its proactive safety programmes, which have contributed to reducing road traffic crashes across the country.
The statement quoted Head of Transport of the Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Murilo Silva, as saying that the company has upscaled its transport management systems through the deployment of automated inspection technologies and artificial intelligence-driven solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and road safety.
Mr. Silva said the company has since deployed enhanced GPS and telematics systems for real-time monitoring of driver behaviour during transit, strengthening oversight and operational safety across its fleet.
He added that, in a bid to combat driver fatigue, the company has increased its wellness campaign, while also engaging in a series of stakeholder fora with third-party truck operators and drivers to reinforce safety awareness, compliance, and responsibility on the road.
Mr. Sliva said the company’s collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is already yielding positive results, noting that the partnership has continued to strengthen safety standards across its operations.
He added that FRSC officials are actively involved in the training and screening of drivers at the Dangote Articulated Vehicle Driving School in Obajana, where they provide technical guidance, enforce compliance with best practices, and support the development of highly competent and safety-conscious drivers.
According to him, the percentage of drivers undergoing structured training, drug and alcohol testing, as well as periodic recertification, has increased significantly, describing the growth as “astronomical.”
According to him, between the first quarters of 2025 and 2026, Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana, recorded significant improvements in its safety compliance measures, with drug and alcohol testing increasing by 245.2 per cent, pre-trip vehicle inspections rising by 489.1 per cent, and driver training programmes expanding by 128.4 per cent.
Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, had commended the company for setting new standards in road safety management and urged it to sustain the reforms that have continued to improve safety across Nigeria’s transport sector.
The Corps Marshal stated that comparatively between 2025 and 2026, road crashes involving trucks belonging to the Dangote Cement Plc declined by 56 per cent, while fatal cases decreased by 36 per cent and injuries dropped significantly by 52 per cent.
He said the improvement has shown that the company has implemented its Gap Analysis, and company policies worthy of emulation by all logistics companies in Africa.
“We have always said that if Dangote Cement get its right, Nigeria and Africa, will get it right. This is a plus for Nigeria,” he said.
Ibrahim Khalil
Former Kano State Governor and national leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed sadness over the death of former Managing Director of Radio Kano and Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.
KANO FOCUS reports that Kwankwaso, in a condolence message posted on his Facebook account on Sunday, described the late Getso as a seasoned broadcaster and accomplished media professional whose contributions to public communication and media development left a lasting impact on Kano State.
The former governor recalled that Getso served with distinction as Managing Director of ARTV and later as Managing Director of Radio Kano during his two tenures as governor of the state.
According to Kwankwaso, the deceased played a significant role in advancing public information dissemination and strengthening the media sector in Kano.
“His immense contributions to public communication, media development, and the overall progress of Kano State will be remembered for generations,” he stated.
Kwankwaso extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the people of Getso community in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the government and people of Kano State, and members of the media profession.
He prayed for Almighty Allah to forgive the shortcomings of the late media administrator, grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah, and give his family and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
Adamu Getso, a respected broadcaster and administrator, served in key leadership positions within Kano State-owned media organisations and was widely acknowledged for his contributions to the growth of broadcasting in the state. His death has continued to attract tributes from political leaders, journalists, and members of the public.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, now known as the Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), between 2000 and 2003, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso, who passed away on Saturday after a brief illness.
KANO FOCUS reports that the governor’s condolence message was conveyed in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
Governor Yusuf described the late Getso as a distinguished broadcaster, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the advancement of journalism, public enlightenment, and the promotion of societal values through the media.
According to the governor, the deceased was widely respected for his honesty, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service, qualities that earned him admiration from colleagues, government officials, and members of the public.
The governor recalled that after his appointment as Managing Director of CTV 67 Television, Getso served as the Managing Director of Radio Kano, between 2011 and 2015.
During his tenure, the late media administrator made significant contributions to the growth and development of television broadcasting in Kano State, Governor Yusuf noted.
He further stated that Getso later served as Managing Director of Radio Kano from 2011 to 2015, where he provided exemplary leadership and implemented reforms that strengthened the station’s position as one of the leading public broadcasting organisations in Northern Nigeria.
On behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of Radio Kano and ARTV, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the wider media community.
The governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and asked Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, reward his good deeds with Aljannatul Firdaus, and grant his family, friends, former colleagues, and loved ones the strength to bear the loss.
KANO FOCUS reports that the death of Adamu Getso has been described by many as a significant loss to the media industry in Kano State and Nigeria at large, given his decades of service and contributions to the development of broadcasting.
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