Telecom operators in Nigeria have compensated more than 75 million subscribers for poor network services, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced.
The NCC disclosed this in a communiqué after its 109th board meeting held on May 25, 2026. The payouts followed a March 29 directive mandating automatic airtime credits for customers in areas with substandard service. The regulator said the exercise demonstrated progress in enforcing quality-of-service obligations amid persistent consumer complaints about dropped calls, slow data, and poor coverage. Independent validation of the compensation process is ongoing.
The board also reviewed compliance by tower companies on reinvestment of fines into infrastructure upgrades, noting partial adherence. It warned of the need for full compliance to improve service resilience. Nigeria has over 200 million mobile subscriptions. Operators invested N2.13tn in capital expenditure in 2025 and plan another N1.86tn in 2026. Persistent infrastructure vandalism remains a major challenge.
The NCC is exploring a Communications Industry Security Trust Fund to protect telecom assets designated as critical national infrastructure. This compensation marks a significant consumer protection milestone, addressing long-standing frustrations with service quality. While the payouts provide relief, sustained improvements in network infrastructure and reduced vandalism are essential for long-term customer satisfaction and digital economy growth.
