Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have received new regulatory mandates aimed at consolidating recent gains in network coverage and service quality, as authorities push for deeper digital inclusion across the country. The directives come at a time when industry data shows steady improvement in connectivity, internet penetration, and mobile service adoption.
The Nigerian Communications Commission announced that the new measures focus on expanding rural coverage, improving service reliability, and strengthening consumer protection. Operators have been directed to invest more in underserved areas, upgrade network infrastructure, and ensure faster resolution of customer complaints.
Industry figures indicate that mobile broadband subscriptions have continued to rise, driven by increased smartphone usage and demand for data driven services such as streaming, online education, and digital payments. However, regulators note that connectivity gaps still exist in remote communities where commercial returns are low.
To address this, the commission is encouraging infrastructure sharing among operators to reduce costs and speed up deployment. There is also renewed emphasis on the Universal Service Provision Fund, which supports connectivity projects in hard to reach areas. Officials say this approach will help bridge the digital divide and bring more Nigerians into the digital economy.
Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed the mandates but insist that service quality must improve alongside expansion. They cite frequent network congestion, dropped calls, and inconsistent data speeds as persistent challenges for subscribers. Regulators have warned that failure to meet quality of service benchmarks could attract sanctions.
Telecom operators, on their part, say they are committed to meeting the new requirements but stress that rising operational costs, including energy and foreign exchange expenses, remain significant hurdles. They have called for supportive policies that ease the business environment while maintaining regulatory standards.
Experts say improved connectivity has far reaching implications for economic growth. From digital entrepreneurship to remote work and e commerce, reliable telecommunications infrastructure is seen as a key driver of productivity and innovation in Nigeria.
