Telcos Pour N2.5 Trillion into Network Expansion as NCC Battles Rising Service Complaints in Nigeria

Nigeria’s telecommunications industry recorded massive infrastructure spending in 2025, with operators investing over N2.5 trillion to upgrade and expand network coverage across the country, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The regulator said the investment push comes amid growing public frustration over dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and unstable connections.

The NCC revealed that Mobile Network Operators accounted for the bulk of the spending, investing more than N2.13 trillion in network upgrades, while Tower Companies contributed an additional N373.8 billion. These funds were deployed to modernise infrastructure and improve service delivery in a sector described as undergoing one of its most extensive expansion cycles in recent years.

According to the commission, the investments supported the addition and upgrade of over 2,800 telecom sites nationwide, aimed at reducing congestion and closing coverage gaps. The NCC acknowledged that despite these efforts, many Nigerians still experience poor service quality as digital demand continues to rise across business, education, and financial services.

Looking ahead, the regulator said operators have committed to expanding more than 12,000 telecom sites in 2026, with nearly 3,000 already completed. It also disclosed that over 730 new 5G sites have been deployed across 27 states, alongside ongoing fibre expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and spectrum reallocation to improve efficiency and speed.

However, the NCC warned that challenges persist, including fibre cuts, vandalism, theft, and power disruptions, which led to over 27,000 avoidable fibre damage incidents in 2025. To address this, the commission has begun enforcing stricter Quality of Service regulations, mandating compensation for poor service and intensifying collaboration with security agencies to protect critical telecom infrastructure.

source: nairametrics