*The Nigerian Communications Commission directs telecoms infrastructure companies and network providers to improve the current relatively poor Internet connectivity, and address operational issues, including poor power supply, equipment failures, and lack of sufficient technical support by end of August 2025 ending, or face sanctions

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed tower companies to improve Internet quality for telecoms consumers, businesses, and organisations.

绿帽献妻 gathered the NCC issued this directive to the telecoms infrastructure companies at a recent meeting with major infrastructure providers and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the country.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission plays a crucial role in regulating and promoting Internet service in Nigeria, and it licenses Internet Service Providers, develops policies to ensure quality and competitive services, just as it works towards expanding Broadband infrastructure.

Mobile Internet consumers

However, it is noted that relatively poor voice quality and Internet connectivity have affected individual telecoms consumers, businesses and organisations in recent times.

Checks also indicated this development particularly, became even聽 more noticeable in the past few months shortly after the NCC, as the industry regulator, had approved 50 percent telecoms tariff increments for the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

Key factors responsible for unstable Internet connectivity

In Nigeria, of primary concern to the MNOs is erratic electricity supply affecting telecoms towers and high dependence on expensive diesel generators.

Chris Adeola, an industry player, argued that this unfortunate development is a huge cause of unstable connectivity, same as vandalism of telecoms infrastructure by hoodlums and theft of cables, batteries, and other essential components in the country’s digital space.

Adeola reportedly stated: 鈥淎lso negatively impacting the sector is multiple taxation leading to high operational costs and regulatory challenges, which cause bureaucratic delays in obtaining permits for expansion.

鈥淭here is equally the problem of insufficient frequency spectrum for growing demand as well as delays in spectrum allocation and licensing.”

He further averred that “we cannot gloss over the impact of insecurity as insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and others are preventing infrastructure deployment.

“Many telecoms workers have been kidnapped at one time or the other in the past.”

Adeola added: “In Nigeria, erratic electricity supply affecting telecoms towers and high dependence on expensive diesel generators is also a huge cause of unstable Internet connectivity, same as vandalism of telecoms infrastructure by hoodlums and theft of cables, batteries, and other essential components.”

Among other factors limiting sustainable Internet connection, according to telecoms experts include national infrastructure deficit, often marked by inadequate base stations and network towers, poor maintenance of existing infrastructure, limited fiber optic cable deployment across the country.

The comparatively wide rural-urban digital divide in Nigeria also, has been attributed to such factors as limited Broadband coverage, higher cost of deployment in rural areas, and high cost of digital services for rural dwellers and unaffordability of devices as smartphones, laptops, and computers in such areas.

Still other factors like lack of digital literacy, economic inequalities, government policies and funding gaps, urban-centric development, language and content barriers, cultural and social barriers, private sector reluctance, lack of awareness on the part of majority of rural residents, have also impacted negatively.

Impact of high RoW fees on digital connectivity, by NCC

Among other factors affecting good connectivity, Hauwa Wakili, Head of Digital Skills and Services at NCC, affirmed that exorbitant Right of Way (RoW) fees by state government and other authorities at the subnational level still constitute a major barrier to expanding telecoms networks in Nigeria, according to report.

Dr. Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy

This development, Wakili said, has been hindering efforts at actualising milestones outlined in the Nigeria National Broadband Plan.

She also stated expensive RoW fees significantly increase the cost of laying down fiber optic cables and other essential infrastructure, thereby discouraging telecoms operators from investing and reducing the pace of deployment, especially in underserved and unserved regions of Nigeria.

Aside from the RoW fees, poor weather and other environmental factors are said to impact network connectivity in the ecosystem.

A recent report also noted that heavy rainfall and flooding could disrupt network signals, while harsh environmental conditions affect equipment longevity. congestion and overloaded networks is yet a concern because it slows down speeds and lead to dropped calls.

Fresh regulatory deadline for network providers to improve QoS

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission, nonetheless, reportedly handed down a deadline of August 2025 ending for the companies to address operational issues, including poor power supply, equipment failures, and lack of sufficient technical support for enhanced Quality of Service (QoS).

The Commission, at the stakeholder engagement with the telecoms infrastructure companies and Internet providers, as well focused on infrastructure delivery and improving the performance of shared telecoms assets in the ecosystem in Nigeria.

Specifically, the NCC expressed concerns about the following issues currently affecting Internet quality in Nigeria’s digital space.

These, it noted, include poor power supply, as this can lead to frequent network outages and slow speeds for consumers, according to the Commission.

The critical need to resolve equipment failures is another topical issue raised, in which the regulator noted that faulty equipment could disrupt service and degrade performance.

Lack of sufficient technical support is another, as it is emphasised that inadequate technical support could delay the resolution of network issues and prolong outages in connectivity.

The NCC, however, is taking a proactive approach to ensure that these issues are addressed as soon as possible, according to report.

The Commission warned that regulatory penalties might be imposed on companies that fail to meet the deadline by end of August this year.

Meanwhile, the NCC has partnered with key stakeholders, including Google, to enhance Internet affordability and address infrastructure challenges in Nigeria.

It is equally noted that such collaborative efforts aimed at increasing Broadband penetration, improving service quality, and promoting digital transformation in the West African country digital environment.

Besides, the proactive moves are said to be part of the Commission’s wider effort at achieving stated goals of the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) 2020-2025.

The National Broadband Plan seeks to deliver faster Internet speeds, and wider coverage across the country by 2025.

The plan also includes initiatives to expand fiber optic networks, and build more telecoms towers, particularly in rural areas.

New investments, commitments to telecoms, Nigeria Digital Economy

In regard to the latest hikes in tariffs on which the Federal Government through NCC premised the need to assist the network providers to procure modern equipment and tackle impacts of hyperinflationary trend in the Nigerian economy.

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), touched on this September 2024, at the G20 Digital Economy Group Meeting in Maceio, Brazil.

Tijani told the global audience that Nigeria has recognised universal and equitable access to meaningful connectivity as a “fundamental driver of progress in today鈥檚 digital age.”

The Minister emphasised that sustainable digital connectivity now serves as a cornerstone for accessing essential services among other benefits.

He equally said to ensure the benefits of the government’s existing investment in digital infrastructure provides universal benefits for all, Nigeria is currently prioritising digital skills and literacy by investing in the world鈥檚 largest technical talent acceleration programme (3MTT).

It is equally committing to ensuring that 70 percent of the country’s citizens are digital literate by 2027.

Insight into establishment of National DPI Centre

Tijani, among others, disclosed the Nigerian Government with the help of the UNDP, World Bank and Gates Foundation is establishing a National DPI Centre to lead the development and deployment of a Data Exchange System as a component foundational platform of Nigeria鈥檚 DPI and for the interoperability of all government data.

The Minister said the government had prioritised a $2 billion project to expand Nigeria鈥檚 fiber optic network.

He stated the initiative, supported by the US Trade and Development Agency, the European Union (EU), and other global partners, is targeted at extending Nigeria鈥檚 fiber optic backbone from 35,000 km to 125,000 km to further enhance digital connectivity.

In terms of the benefits of the project, Dr. Tijani said expansion of the country’s fiber optic backbone would improve access to fast and reliable Internet, especially in underserved areas towards driving economic growth and social inclusion.

Besides, the Federal Government is reportedly working towards digitalising about 80 percent of its activities by 2025.

Role of NCC’s Universal Service Provision Fund in bridging digital divide

The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), established under the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003, is designed to bridge the digital divide by promoting universal access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), particularly in rural and underserved areas of the country.

The USPF now supports digital projects that enhance access to affordable telecoms services while contributing to social equity and inclusion in the emerging Nigeria Digital Economy.

The Fund will better position the country to integrate digital services, offering consumers expanded accessible, efficient, and inclusive public services.

Government鈥檚 investment in 7,000 additional telecoms towers

In its commitment to expanding access to reliable communication services, including enhanced Internet connectivity, the Federal Government of Nigeria recently unveiled plans to construct 7,000 new telecoms towers in rural areas to telecoms services and bridge the digital divide in the country.

Earlier, the country鈥檚 Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the digital connectivity initiative, designed to provide high-quality telecoms services to underserved communities across Nigeria.

Dr. Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, emphasised the current administration’s commitment to ensuring that all Nigerian consumers have accelerated access to reliable telecoms services in the digital ecosystem.

In regard to the significance of the digital transformation project, the Minister said the focus is not only to expand connectivity by service providers, but also improve Quality of Service and consumers’ Quality of Experience in the ecosystem.

The initiative, stated Tijani, well aligns with Nigeria鈥檚 comprehensive strategy to advance digital transformation and 5G deployment in telecommunications.

As regards the core benefits of the deployment of 7,000 additional telecoms towers to consumers, the government鈥檚 plan is regarded as a significant step towards achieving a 鈥渃omprehensive digital coverage鈥� of Nigeria.

It is equally noted the initiative will ensure that all Nigerian digital consumers can benefit from the opportunities provided by robust telecommunications networks in the economy.

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