The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says mobile network operators have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 committed coverage and capacity sites across Nigeria, representing about 70 per cent of the target.
The NCC Board disclosed this in a communiqué issued after its 110th meeting, where it also reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on call masking and reviewed progress on the zero-rating of educational platforms.
The Board said the deployment represented accelerated progress from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at its 109th meeting.
It, however, expressed concern over the impact of fibre cuts on network disruptions, noting that the incidents contributed to a sharp rise in service disruptions in June.
The Board stressed the need to match infrastructure expansion with stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure.
It also received updates on technology platforms designed to strengthen trust, security and integrity in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The Board noted that the Device Management System (DMS) is now live and supporting enhanced compliance with type-approval requirements.
According to the Board, the system will help verify device compliance, discourage the use of non-compliant devices and combat mobile device theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian networks.
It said the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), alongside its business rules, is scheduled to go live in October 2026.
The system is expected to strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks associated with the misuse, reassignment and recycling of such identities.
The Board said the platforms would be deployed in a manner that protects consumers, supports lawful digital services, strengthens market integrity and complies with legal, privacy and data protection requirements.
On education, the Board reviewed progress on the framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
It said the initiative was aimed at promoting digital inclusion and improving students’ access to educational resources.
The Board commended the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their collaboration, noting that the initiative was officially launched on September 10, with the go-live date scheduled for October 1, 2026.
It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the sustainable implementation of the initiative.
The Board also considered recommendations for repositioning the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), including a strategic roadmap to strengthen its relevance and long-term sustainability.
It approved a phased approach involving two consultancies.
The first consultancy will conduct a comprehensive audit of DBI’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position, while the second will assess the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning initiative.
The Board also expressed concern over the resurgence of call masking activities in the telecommunications industry, warning that the practice threatens the integrity, security and orderly development of the sector.
It reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance position, describing call masking as unacceptable and a serious regulatory concern.
According to the Board, call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes economic sabotage capable of adversely affecting the national economy.
The Commission said it would collaborate with security and law-enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking.
The meeting ended with the Board reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to transparency and regulatory measures aimed at improving network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
