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Ministerial directive: There we go again— by Okoh Aihe

Published

2 weeks ago

February 5, 2026

Just a look at the story, a flash went off in my head. At this age one shouldn’t engage in protest writings or spew out materials that hover on malcontent or, in the extreme, frustration. Or are my thoughts simply just cyclical? I have had to review my writings in the past few years and I can report, very miserably, that they remain nearly on the same spot, dealing with nearly the same issues with progress really very negligible.

Or how does one comfortably explain the development that, nearly three years into the lifespan of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, is directing the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on how to regulate the telecommunications industry and actions to punish expeditiously where necessary.

This information is contained a January 8, 2026, memo addressed to Dr Aminu Maida, EVC, by the Minister, titled: Strengthening Regulatory Oversight for Quality-of-Service Compliance and Elevating Consumer Experience in Nigeria’s Telecommunications Sector.

There is nothing wrong with the Minister expressing concerns about developments in the industry and seeking ways to mitigate his worries, but there is everything wrong with the opening line of that memo if you place it side by side with the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The memo personally signed by Dr Tijani says in the opening paragraph, “I hereby formally direct the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), in the exercise of its statutory mandate, to intensify regulatory measures targeted at enhancing Quality of Service and elevating overall consumer experience across the telecommunications sector.”

While the Minister acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Commission to monitor and improve quality of service, but which have still left subscribers with persistent public dissatisfaction, he pointed out that, “this administration has prioritized significant investments in digital infrastructure and supported policy reforms to restore sector sustainability, it is imperative that these efforts translate into measurable improvements in service quality for Nigerian consumers.”

Dr Tijani therefore placed his demands and further directed the NCC to take some actions within a 90-day framework, with clear milestones and public reporting.

For instance part of his demands are as follows, among many others: Publish operator-specific Quality of Service scorecards on a quarterly basis, covering key indicators including call completion rates, dropped calls, average data speeds relative to advertised speeds, network availability, and complaint resolution performance; Apply automatic and progressive sanctions for repeated QoS breaches, reducing reliance on discretionary enforcement; and Where necessary, apply regulatory escalation measures, including restrictions on expansion approvals or other incentives, for chronic non-compliance.

The Commission was further directed to submit a status update within 30 days.

The NCC is well able to respond to their Minister. But here is my question: what is happening between the telecom regulator and the ministry?

Few days later the NCC made a presentation of the Q4 2025 Network Performance Report, where EVC Maida, said, ‘’Today’s engagement reflects our commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians across cities, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones. It is in this context that we have released the Q4 2025 Network Performance Report.’’

Some of the topics addressed at the presentation include: Connectivity on the Move – Major Roads Network Report; Network Performance and 5G Reality Report; and Consumer Insights and Industry Trends.

There was another document for the media: Q3 and Q4 2025 Quality of Experience Industry Performance: Comparative Analysis.

This was no response to the Minister but a sequel to the first version which held in October last year. Looking at the information available from the presentation, the earlier one from October last year, and other sundry developments and activities at the Commission, it means that the regulator has enough information to respond to the supervising minister. Almost all information which the Minister requested and directed for action to be taken, will be more than served.

For instance, on National Coverage Map which it introduced last year, there is a particular information which states, ‘’The Commission has introduced a crowd-sourced National Coverage Map designed to enable members of the public to assess and compare operator performance across different geographic locations in Nigeria. The Coverage Map draws on anonymized, real-user performance data and is refreshed on a near real-time basis, providing consumers and stakeholders with an objective view of network availability and performance nationwide.’’

Here is my first observation. The Minister didn’t need to give a directive; all he needed to have done was to call for a ministerial briefing and every information would be on his table. He is the boss and doesn’t need to wear it on his lapel.
Giving directives to the regulator means that he was exercising powers he didn’t have, at least, as per the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which clearly restricts the Minister and his ministry to only policy matters.

Let me lift a few relevant sections of the Acts as follows: The Minister shall have the following responsibilities and functions pursuant to this Act – the formation, determination and monitoring, of the policy for the communications sector in Nigeria with a view to ensuring, amongst others, the utilization of the sector as a platform for the economic and social development of Nigeria – Section 23(a); the Minister shall, in writing, from time to time notify the Commission of and express his views on the general policy direction of the Federal Government in respect of the communications sector – Section 25(1); and In the execution of his functions and relationship with the Commission, the Minister shall at all times ensure that the independence of the Commission, in regard to the discharge of its functions and operations under this Act, is protected and not compromised in any manner whatsoever – Section 5(2).

Nothing communicated above mandates the Minister to give directives to the regulator, instead the Act directs the Minister to guaranty the freedom of the regulator. Anything outside of the Act, like the directive given in the Minister’s memo, is regulatory capture which is toxic to the regulator and the industry, and even the subscribers who the Minister innocently wants to protect in the wrong way.

Let me also admit that the Minister’s memo has a place in antecedent. Under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, his predecessor, Dr Isa Pantami subjected NCC to the most unconscionable regulatory capture this nation has ever witnessed. His impertinent meddlesomeness dug the NCC into a hole, from which it has been trying to claw its way back ever since. Dr Tijani doesn’t have to go that route of infamy.

Now I understand. Under two EVCs, Engr Ernest Ndukwe and Dr Eugene Juwah (may God continue to keep him), when a Minister was appointed, the Commission would send a technical person to onboard and bring him to a tolerable understanding of the telecommunications industry, irrespective of his background, track record or even a chain of degrees. The simple reason being that industry practice is different from theory.

The Buhari administration destroyed all that working relationship by appointing a Minister with hubris so much bigger than Zuma Rock. The industry is still labouring under the weight. Dr Tijani can do something different. I believe in his ability to perform. He should not disappoint those looking up to him to do much more for the telecom industry with his policies. There is yet so much time for the regulator and the ministry to work together.

— by Okoh Aihe

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NCC clamps down on illegal signal boosters, fines telcos ₦45 million

Published

2 weeks ago

February 2, 2026

Mark Godwin

Nigeria’s telecoms regulator has removed more than 450 illegal signal boosters and fined operators a combined ₦45 million as it intensifies enforcement efforts to improve network quality across the country.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed the actions in a formal response to Nigeria’s minister of communications and digital economy, Bosun Tijani, detailing steps taken in 2025 to strengthen oversight, improve consumer experience, and sanction defaulting operators.

According to the regulator, enforcement teams dismantled over 450 unauthorised signal boosters across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2025. While often deployed by individuals and businesses to improve indoor coverage, the devices were found to interfere with surrounding network cells, degrading service quality for other users.

The NCC said follow-up analysis showed immediate improvements. At least 70 network sites recorded measurable performance gains after the boosters were removed, based on operator data, crowdsourced network information, and a noticeable drop in related consumer complaints.

Quality of service remains a major pain point for Nigerian telecoms users, and the commission said addressing it will stay central to its regulatory agenda in 2026. The focus, it added, will be on greater transparency, faster response times, and outcomes consumers can directly feel.

As part of that transparency push, the NCC said it has expanded public disclosures to pressure operators into improving service quality. One such move was the approval of tariff adjustments in January 2025, which the regulator described as a “calibrated intervention” to keep the industry financially viable while enabling continued network investment.

Those investments appear to be flowing. The NCC said Nigeria’s telecoms sector attracted more than $1 billion in fresh capital in 2025, alongside the rollout of over 2,850 new and upgraded network sites nationwide.

On consumer protection, the regulator said it adopted a more targeted approach to complaint management, focusing on the most common issues reported by subscribers: poor service quality, rapid data depletion, and refunds for failed transactions.

Operators are now required to notify customers ahead of major outages and maintenance activities. In addition, a Major Outages Reporting Portal on the NCC’s website provides real-time information on network disruptions, their geographic scope, and steps being taken to resolve them.

In October 2025, the commission also launched a crowdsourced National Coverage Map, allowing users to compare operator performance across locations using anonymised, near real-time data. Quarterly industry performance reports, broken down by state and region, are now being published as well.

To tighten enforcement, the NCC said it now receives daily, granular performance data from mobile network operators and infrastructure providers. It also reinstated nationwide drive tests in 2025—its first in nearly a decade—covering both urban and rural areas to independently verify operator-reported data.

Addressing widespread complaints about data depletion, the regulator pointed to tariff simplification guidelines issued in November 2024, which required operators to reduce the number of tariff plans and standardise disclosures to make pricing easier for consumers to understand.

Routine audits and spot checks continue. A fourth-quarter 2025 audit of 965 base stations in the FCT uncovered 5,557 infractions, with the NCC saying 81% were resolved before the end of the year.

On failed airtime and data recharges, the commission said refunds exceeding ₦10 billion have already been facilitated in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, telecom operators, and financial institutions. A formal refund framework is expected to be launched in March 2026.

The NCC confirmed that Globacom, Airtel, and infrastructure provider IHS were fined a combined ₦45 million in October 2025. Additional enforcement cases, carrying potential liabilities of ₦12.4 billion, are still undergoing regulatory review.

Beyond enforcement, the regulator said it approved several spectrum trades and reassignments, reallocating about 50 MHz of underutilised spectrum. The reassignment of an additional contiguous 10 MHz to Globacom helped boost its average 4G download speeds to around 15 Mbps by late 2025, up from roughly 9.5 Mbps previously.

The commission also revealed that Nigeria’s first Spectrum Roadmap, covering 2025 to 2030, has been drafted and is expected to be released by March 2026, pending board approval.

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NCC To Launch Spectrum Roadmap 2026 – 2030, For Improved Connectivity in Nigeria

Published

3 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Mark Godwin

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has commenced consultative engagements with critical stakeholders prior to the launch of its National Spectrum Roadmap 2026 — 2030, as well as the opening of new spectrum bands in support of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for a trillion dollars digital economy.

The proposed National Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030 will drive Nigeria’s digital future through transparency and predictable spectrum regulation.

The Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed this on Monday at a Spectrum Roadmap stakeholders’ consultation forum in Abuja.

Mr Maida said the initiative includes the Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030 and guidelines for opening the lower 6GHz and 60GHz licence-exempt bands.

Represented by the Head of Spectrum Administration, Atiku Lawal, he said the measures aim to improve quality of service nationwide.

Mr Maida said: “Our national ambitions are growing. We want faster speeds, wider coverage, better service quality, stronger innovation and greater inclusion.

“This roadmap creates a transparent, predictable regulatory environment supporting investment, encouraging innovation, expanding access and improving service quality for all Nigerians.”

He said the lower 6GHz and 60GHz guidelines would unlock new capacity for high-speed, affordable and reliable connectivity.

“Spectrum is behind everything digital we do. Though invisible, it is indispensable to mobile, broadband, satellite, emergency and smart technologies,” Mr Maida said.

He added that every video call, online classroom, digital transaction and connected device in Nigeria relies on spectrum.

“We are preparing Nigeria for future data demands across homes, campuses, businesses, healthcare facilities and public spaces,” he said.

The Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, said spectrum resources must serve every community.

“Today’s engagement reaffirms our commitment to expanding wireless broadband through foresight, fairness and national development goals,” Oshadami said.

Earlier, Atiku Lawal described the roadmap as more than a technical document, calling it a strategic blueprint for Nigeria’s digital future.

Speaking for Huawei, Dr Lola Fafore said the roadmap would drive innovation, boost broadband penetration and contribute significantly to national GDP.

The two-day forum will deliberate on initiatives shaping Nigeria’s digital future.

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NCC Unveils 2026–2030 Spectrum Roadmap, Moves to Open New Bands for Wi-Fi Expansion

Published

3 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Mark Godwin

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signaled a major shift in how radio spectrum will be managed in the country over the next five years, as it unveiled plans for a new Spectrum Roadmap (2026–2030) and proposed guidelines for opening the lower 6GHz and 60GHz bands for unlicensed use.

Speaking on January 19, 2026, at the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030 and Guidelines for Opening Lower 6GHz & 60GHz Bands in Abuja, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Dr. Aminu Maida, described the initiatives as critical to Nigeria’s digital future. He said the frameworks are designed to make spectrum management more predictable, transparent, and investment-friendly while supporting innovation and wider digital inclusion.

Welcoming industry players, government agencies, and technical experts to the forum, Maida said the discussions would shape policies that affect everything from mobile broadband and satellite services to financial technology, emergency communications, and smart infrastructure. He underscored the centrality of spectrum to modern digital life, noting that “spectrum may be invisible, yet it is indispensable,” as it powers mobile phones, broadband networks, and connected devices across the country.

The EVC warned that spectrum is a finite resource, even as demand continues to surge due to cloud computing, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and data-heavy services. According to him, this makes smarter planning and more flexible regulation imperative. The new Spectrum Roadmap, he said, aims to balance growing demand with national development priorities while improving service quality and network coverage.

Beyond the roadmap, the NCC is also proposing to open the lower 6GHz and 60GHz bands for license-exempt use, a move expected to significantly expand Wi-Fi capacity in Nigeria. Maida explained that this would enable faster indoor broadband, multi-gigabit wireless systems, and better connectivity in homes, schools, hospitals, businesses, and public spaces.

He noted that globally, Wi-Fi already carries a significant share of internet traffic, and Nigeria must position itself to benefit from this trend. Opening these bands, he said, would prepare the country for future data demands beyond traditional mobile networks.

While emphasizing that the regulatory frameworks provide a strong foundation, Maida stressed that private sector investment, innovation, and stakeholder feedback would ultimately determine their success. He linked the initiative to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambition of building a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.

The EVC also reiterated the Commission’s commitment to consultative and evidence-based policymaking, urging participants to contribute actively to the deliberations. He framed the forum as a collaborative effort to build a more innovative, resilient, and inclusive digital ecosystem for Nigeria.

The consultative forum is expected to inform final policy decisions on spectrum allocation, unlicensed access, and future licensing strategies as the NCC moves toward implementing its new roadmap.