*The Governing Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission, at its 109th meeting, reaffirms sustainable pathway to support the Federal Government in meeting consumers’ data needs to advance digital transformation towards realising the country’s planned $1 trillion economy
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
As the West African country intensifies efforts at attaining its planned $1 trillion economy in a few years ahead, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its readiness to support the Federal Government in meeting consumers’ data needs for the much desired digital transformation.
ConsumerConnect reports the Governing Board of NCC restated this in a communiqué issued at the end of its recent 109th meeting, in Abuja, FCT.
NCC unveils strategies to address increasing data demand, limited infrastructure capacity
The Office of the Secretary to the Commission in the communiqué dated May 29, 2026, also said the Board reiterated that a structured approach would be the most “sustainable pathway” to meeting Nigeria’s data needs over the next decade.
The telecoms sector regulatory Commission as well noted the move is consistent with the government’s digital transformation agenda, and the ultimate target of a $1 trillion economy.
The Office of the Secretary to the Commission said the Board equally received updates on industry and operational matters as part of the Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer’s Report.
During the discussions, the Board considered major regulatory, strategic and collaborative issues impacting the telecommunications industry, and the broader Nigeria Digital Economy.
On QoS consumer compensation and tower investment
According to the communiqué, the Board reviewed the outcomes of the consumer-focused directive to MNOs to compensate subscribers for poor Quality of Service experiences in areas where prescribed service standards were not met in the telecoms space.
The members examined the directive to Co-location and Infrastructure Sharing Licensees (TowerCos) to reinvest regulatory fines in infrastructure upgrades with measurable outcomes towards improving network resilience and service delivery to consumers.
NCC: Telcos to compensate 75m subscribers over poor service quality
In consonance with its consumer-centric approach to regulatory affairs, the Governing Board of the Commission revealed it particularly observed substantial progress in the implementation of the NCC’s recent directive to the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) for full compliance.
The Board equally affirmed that implementation of the same policy directive has resulted in Telcos’ compensations to over 75 million affected subscribers across the country’s digital ecosystem.
However, how would the telecoms industry regulators ascertain the MNOs’ diligent application of this compensation regulation?
The NCC disclosed that it acknowledged ongoing efforts at independently validating the network operators’ claims while ensuring that all eligible subscribers receive compensations due to them.
The Commission said it would further to telecoms consumers to continue their engagement with the Commission in this regard.
Insight into operations of Co-location and Infrastructure Sharing Licensees
Speaking on operations of the Co-location and Infrastructure Sharing Licensees (TowerCos), the Board of NCC observed that TowerCos have only “partially complied” with the directive requiring the funding of Escrow Accounts with the full amount of the regulatory fines for infrastructure reinvestment in Nigeria.
In regard to their operational efficiency till date, the Board restated the strategic importance of full compliance, to ensure the intended infrastructure improvements in the digital space are realised sustainably.