The Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) invested over N2.13 trillion in network infrastructure and upgrades in 2025, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The commission acknowledged recent public outcry over poor quality of telecommunications services in parts of the country but assured that efforts to improve network quality are yielding results.
Investment Details
The Head of Public Affairs at NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, stated in a release that the MNOs invested over N2.13 trillion on infrastructure upgrades, while tower companies added an extra N373.8 billion across the sector. These investments supported the addition and upgrade of over 2,800 telecommunications sites nationwide, addressing coverage and capacity gaps in several locations.
Ukoha emphasized that the NCC recognizes the frustration experienced by consumers when calls drop, internet speeds slow down, data services become unstable, or service disruptions affect daily activities. He pointed out that telecommunications services are central to how Nigerians work, learn, do business, access essential services, and stay connected, therefore consumers must receive value for the services they pay for.
Quality of Service Improvements
The commission stated that improving quality of service has been one of its top priorities over the past two years. It has intensified monitoring of MNOs, Internet Service Providers, and Tower Companies, strengthened data-driven oversight, and deepened engagement with relevant public institutions to address structural barriers affecting service delivery.
The telecom regulator noted that the sector is currently undergoing one of its most extensive network expansion and modernization cycles in recent years, following a prolonged period of under-investment. Interventions include the addition of faster 4G and 5G layers on existing sites, expansion of fibre backhaul to improve site capacity and resilience, targeted deployments in high-demand urban locations, rollout into underserved communities, and general network equipment refresh.
2026 Expansion Plans
Ukoha assured that the expansion drive is continuing in 2026 in response to Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem and the exponential growth in data consumption. The NCC has secured industry commitments for the addition and upgrade of over 12,000 sites within the year, of which close to 3,000 have already been delivered. The deployment of next-generation infrastructure is also accelerating, with more than 730 additional 5G sites already deployed across 27 states so far in 2026.
As subscribers continue to migrate to faster 4G networks, 4G penetration has risen from 45 per cent in January 2024 to 54 per cent currently. National median download speeds have increased from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps within the same period. Power availability at telecom towers has also improved from a national average of 99.3 per cent in January 2025 to 99.7 per cent currently.
