Nigeria’s Federal Government has issued a strong warning to telecommunications companies over the worsening quality of network services across the country, saying operators may face regulatory sanctions if they fail to improve service delivery. The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said Nigerians deserve better value for the money they spend on telecom services.
In a statement released on Sunday, the minister said the Nigerian Communications Commission had been empowered to enforce industry standards and hold telecom operators accountable for poor performance. According to him, the government expects measurable improvements in call quality, internet speed, data performance and network coverage nationwide. He stressed that operators delivering quality service would be recognised, while those failing to meet expectations could face regulatory action.
The warning follows growing frustration among subscribers over frequent dropped calls, unstable internet connections and repeated service disruptions experienced on major networks. Tijani noted that recent government reforms had helped stabilise the telecom sector financially, creating a more transparent and market-driven environment for operators to function effectively and return to profitability.
The minister added that telecom firms including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2 now have the resources needed to resolve longstanding network challenges. He said the responsibility now rests on operators to improve the overall quality of service delivered to millions of Nigerians who rely on mobile and internet connectivity daily for business and communication.
Tijani also revealed that the Federal Government is investing in long-term digital infrastructure projects to strengthen connectivity across the country. According to him, funding secured through the World Bank-backed Project BRIDGE initiative will support nationwide fibre infrastructure expansion, while additional telecom towers and satellite capabilities are expected to improve internet access in underserved areas. He expressed optimism that the investments, alongside broader economic reforms, would help businesses and households enjoy faster and more reliable internet services in the coming years.
source: punch