The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem, with a focus on network resilience, digital trust, consumer protection, inclusive connectivity and the sustainable growth of the digital economy.
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1The Board made this known at its 110th Meeting held on September 9, 2026, where it reviewed strategic priorities, operational performance and key developments across the telecommunications industry.
A major focus of the meeting was the progress recorded by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in fulfilling their commitments to expand network coverage and capacity and improve Quality of Experience for telecommunications consumers across the country.
The Board noted that 8,526 of the 12,179 coverage and capacity sites committed by operators have now been deployed, representing approximately 70 per cent completion. This marks significant progress from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at the Commission’s previous Board meeting.
While commending the progress, the Board expressed concern over the impact of fibre cuts on network availability, noting that such incidents contributed to a sharp increase in network disruptions in June.
The Board therefore emphasised that infrastructure expansion must be accompanied by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure to ensure greater network resilience, reliability and service quality.
NCC Strengthens Digital Trust and Security
The Board also reviewed the Commission’s deployment of technology platforms designed to strengthen trust, security and integrity within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem and the wider digital economy.
The Board noted that the Device Management System (DMS) is now live and supporting enhanced compliance with the Commission’s type-approval requirements through technology.
The DMS is expected to improve the NCC’s ability to verify device compliance, discourage the circulation of non-compliant devices and support efforts to combat mobile device theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian networks.
The Board further noted that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) and its associated business rules are scheduled to go live in October 2026.
TIRMS is designed to strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and mitigate risks associated with the misuse, reassignment and recycling of such identities, particularly as mobile numbers become increasingly connected to financial, social and other digital services.
The Board stressed that the deployment of these regulatory technology platforms must remain focused on protecting consumers, supporting legitimate digital services and strengthening market integrity, while complying with applicable legal, privacy and data protection requirements.
NCC Advances Zero-Rating of Educational Platforms
The Board also reviewed progress towards establishing a framework for the zero-rating of educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
The initiative is designed to promote digital inclusion and expand access to online educational resources for students, particularly by reducing the connectivity barriers associated with accessing educational content.
The Board commended the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in advancing the initiative.
The Commission is scheduled to officially launch the initiative on September 10, 2026, with the Go-Live date set for October 1, 2026.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the implementation of the initiative to ensure that it delivers sustainable benefits to learners and supports Nigeria’s broader digital inclusion objectives.
Board Reviews Strategic Repositioning of Digital Bridge Institute
The Board considered recommendations on the proposed strategic repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), including the development of a roadmap aimed at strengthening the institute’s relevance and long-term sustainability.
As part of the proposed phased approach, the Board noted plans to engage two independent consultancies.
The first consultancy will undertake a comprehensive assessment of DBI’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position, while the second will examine the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning initiative.
NCC Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Call Masking
The Board expressed concern over the resurgence of call masking activities within the telecommunications industry and reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance position on the practice.
It noted that call masking poses significant risks to the integrity, security and orderly development of the telecommunications ecosystem.
According to the Board, the practice undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes economic sabotage, with potential adverse implications for the wider Nigerian economy.
The Board reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to work closely with relevant security and law-enforcement agencies, as well as industry stakeholders, to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking activities.
Commitment to a Resilient and Inclusive Digital Economy
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Board reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to transparency in its operations and to regulatory measures that promote network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The Board noted that these priorities remain central to the Commission’s mandate as Nigeria’s telecommunications sector continues to evolve and play an increasingly important role in the country’s economic and social development.
ENDS
