*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission, discloses the telecoms sector regulator and other stakeholders have designed mechanisms to address current challenges to improve the Mobile Network Operators’ service quality and consumer experience in the ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In a significant move to advance the telecommunications industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed the regulator and other stakeholders have worked out mechanisms to address identified challenges.

绿帽献妻 reports the NCC has assured telecoms consumers that the effort would soon pay off in regard to improved Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) in the ecosystem.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, stated this Thursday, June 19, 2025, at a media interactive session held at the Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, in Abuja, FCT.

Speaking at the forum, Maida noted that Nigeria’s telecoms industry is back on the right trajectory as a key contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), after experiencing a Foreign Exchange (Forex) crisis few years ago.

The EVC/CEO, represented at the interactive session by Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Acting Head of Public Affairs at NCC, also referenced available statistics and projections, and affirmed that the industry has proved its resilience and progressive milestones.

On Forex issues, telecoms tariffs and investments

Dr. Maida disclosed that investors and telecoms operators alike investing more funds are being invested in the significant sector of the Nigerian economy.

He stated: 鈥淎bout two years ago, we noticed a situation where some of our key operators were recording massive losses.

“Despite increasing revenues, they were struggling with heavy Forex-related obligations that ate into their revenue. This led to poor quality of service.

鈥淗owever, with the recent tariff adjustment exercise, these operators are now back on the path to profitability.”

Maida further explained: “As a result, they鈥檙e able to reinvest in their networks, which will lead to better quality of service and experience.

鈥淲e expect investments in the industry to increase significantly this year, more than what was seen in the last two years.”

Telecoms holds ‘great promise’ for Nigeria, says Maida

In regard to what telecommunications sector holds for the economy and other stakeholders, the NCC Executive Vice-Chairman asserted: “The Nigerian telecoms industry has great promise, evident in its revenue growth and service delivery, despite the recent challenges.”

As regards proactive measures to address MNOs’ operational challenges and QoS in the industry, Maida highlighted some critical factors affecting the fortune of the sector in recent times.

He acknowledged the telecoms industry, over the years, had faced some critical challenges, including Rights of Way (RoW) issues, fibre cuts and thefts, infrastructural vandalism, energy and Forex-related problems.

The EVC/CEO of NCC said: 鈥淥ne major issue affecting the quality of services and smooth operation of service providers is fibre cuts.

“When we look at the fibre cuts that occurred between 21st and 31st May, 2025, we recorded almost 147 cases in just a week.

“Such damage significantly affects smooth operations in that particular area.”

The Commission and other stakeholders, he stated, have worked out mechanisms to address the challenges.

Maida as well assured Nigerian telecoms consumers that in about two months鈥� time, they would begin to experience improved Quality of Service and experience.

In addressing the extant challenge of fibre cuts due to road construction and rehabilitation across the West African country, the NCC Chief said the Federal Ministry of Works and the NCC would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on this soon.

NCC, State Governors partner on Right of Way and CNII

Emphasising the importance of Critical National Information Infrastructure, Maida equally revealed the NCC is currently working with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to address the issue of Rights of Way.

He noted this partnership is crucial and timely in regard to fears the telecoms stakeholders have expressed about possible disruptions of services due to the ongoing construction of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

The EVC/CEO stated that the Commission would soon name and shame certain individuals behind fibre cuts and theft of the country’s critical information infrastructure in the ecosystem.

Besides, the Commission would also collaborate with Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, (OAGF) and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), to prosecute those responsible for infrastructure vandalism and damage.

鈥淭elecommunications services are crucial for ensuring national security, particularly for addressing security issues that require effective communication.

“Without effective telecommunications, achieving national security would be impossible,” said he.

Robust telecoms as core of digital society

Dr. Maida stated: 鈥淭elecommunications also plays a vital role in public welfare, contributing to the growth of a digital society.

“It provides an enabling environment for socialisation and access to services.”

The Executive Vice-Chairman further noted: “Without a robust telecommunications infrastructure, the public cannot fully enjoy the services provided.

鈥淔urthermore, a stable telecommunications infrastructure is essential for every sector of the economy.”

He, therefore, appealed to the media for support and partnership, assuring Nigerians that discussions are in progress in other critical areas in the industry.

The NCC remains committed to doing its part to ensure regulatory excellence in in line with the industry standards and international best practices, stated he.

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