NCC Reports Compensation for 75 Million Subscribers

More than 75 million telecom users have received compensation after regulatory action aimed at improving telecom service quality across Nigeria.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed the development on Tuesday following the 109th meeting of its governing board. During the session, members reviewed measures introduced to address persistent complaints about poor network performance and enhance telecom service quality nationwide.

The compensation programme stems from a directive issued by the regulator in March, which required mobile network operators to provide redress to customers affected by substandard services in areas where quality benchmarks were not achieved. According to the NCC, operators have fully complied with the order, leading to compensation for more than 75 million affected subscribers.

The announcement comes amid ongoing concerns from consumers over dropped calls, network congestion, poor voice clarity and slow internet speeds. These issues have continued to affect users in several parts of the country despite efforts by operators to improve performance. The regulator encouraged subscribers to remain engaged and report service-related concerns as it works to strengthen telecom service quality and protect consumer interests.

While mobile network operators have complied with the compensation directive, the NCC noted that some infrastructure providers, known as TowerCos, have only partially met requirements to fund escrow accounts with the full value of regulatory fines intended for infrastructure upgrades. The commission stressed that full compliance remains essential for long-term improvements.

The regulator also highlighted significant progress in network expansion. Mobile operators have planned the deployment of more than 12,000 new coverage and capacity sites to improve telecom service quality, with over 5,000 already completed. In addition, fibre connectivity has been extended to more than 700 locations, while new equipment has been installed at over 2,000 Base Transceiver Stations to strengthen network reliability.

Despite these investments, the NCC expressed concern over the continued vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure. The commission described such incidents as a major obstacle to industry growth and noted that security agencies are working to safeguard facilities designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

Do you think telecom operators are doing enough to improve service quality for Nigerian consumers?