By Babatunji Wusu| More than 75 million telecom subscribers have received compensation from mobile network operators (MNOs) following regulatory measures introduced to address persistent service quality challenges, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The disclosure came after the 109th meeting of the commission’s governing board, where members assessed the progress of initiatives designed to improve service delivery across the telecommunications sector.
Earlier in March, the NCC compensation directive required network operators to provide redress to customers affected by poor service in areas where approved quality standards were not met. The move followed growing complaints from consumers over dropped calls, network congestion, poor voice quality and slow internet services.
“The board noted substantial progress in the implementation of the commission’s directive, particularly the full compliance of which has resulted in compensation being offered to over 75 million affected subscribers,” the commission stated.
The NCC compensation initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection and improve user experience within Nigeria’s telecom industry. The regulator encouraged subscribers to continue engaging with the commission as it works to enhance service standards and safeguard consumer interests.
The board also reviewed compliance by Co-location and Infrastructure Sharing Licensees (TowerCos). According to the NCC, these companies have only partially complied with directives requiring them to fund escrow accounts with the full value of regulatory fines earmarked for infrastructure reinvestment.
Beyond compensation measures, the commission highlighted significant progress in telecom infrastructure expansion. Mobile operators have planned the deployment of more than 12,000 new coverage and capacity sites, with over 5,000 sites already completed, representing more than 40 per cent of the target.
The NCC further reported that fibre connectivity has been extended to over 700 sites, while infrastructure providers have installed new equipment across more than 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) to improve network reliability and service quality.
However, the regulator expressed concern over the continued vandalism of telecom infrastructure, describing it as a major threat to industry growth despite ongoing efforts by security agencies to protect critical communications assets.
