The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 additional network coverage and capacity sites they committed to providing across the country.
The commission disclosed this in a communiqué issued by its Office of the Commission Secretary at the end of its 110th Board meeting held on September 9, 2026.
According to the NCC, the 8,526 sites represent approximately 70 per cent of the commitments made by the operators to expand network coverage, capacity and quality of experience.
The commission said the figure reflects accelerated progress from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at its previous board meeting.
However, the NCC expressed concern over the impact of fibre cuts on telecommunications services, noting that they contributed to a sharp rise in network disruptions in June.
The Board stressed the need for infrastructure expansion to be matched by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure to improve network resilience and service reliability.
The commission also disclosed that its Device Management System (DMS) is now live and supporting enhanced compliance with type approval requirements.
It said the system would improve its ability to verify device compliance, discourage the circulation of non-compliant devices and help deter mobile device theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian networks.
The Board further noted that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) and its associated business rules are scheduled to go live in October 2026.
According to the commission, TIRMS will strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks associated with the misuse, reassignment and recycling of such identities.
It said the system was particularly important as telecommunications identities are increasingly linked to financial, social and other digital services.
The Board also reviewed progress towards the development of a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
The commission said the initiative was aimed at promoting digital inclusion and improving students’ access to educational resources.
It added that the initiative was officially launched on September 10, with the go-live date scheduled for October 1, 2026.
The Board commended the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their collaboration in advancing the initiative.
On the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), the Board considered recommendations for its strategic repositioning, including the development of a roadmap to strengthen its relevance and long-term sustainability.
It noted that the proposed repositioning would be implemented in phases and supported by two independent consultancies.
The first consultancy will conduct a comprehensive audit of DBI’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position, while the second will assess the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning.
The Board also expressed concern over the resurgence of call masking activities in the telecommunications industry.
It reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance position on call masking, describing the practice as unacceptable and a serious regulatory concern.
According to the NCC, call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes economic sabotage capable of adversely affecting the national economy.
The commission said it would continue to collaborate with security and law-enforcement agencies as well as industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking activities.
The Board said the commission would continue to pursue regulatory actions aimed at strengthening network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
