The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) confirmed that shipments of the new equipment began arriving in early June, with mobile network operators already deploying the technology to meet a year-end deadline for significant improvements in quality of experience (QoE).
Regulator Confirms Progress Toward Year-End Targets
NCC Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) Aminu Maida said the sector is on course to deliver measurable improvements before the end of 2025.
“The ordered equipment have started arriving since early June, and deployment has already started in earnest by the Mobile Network Operators,” Maida said. “They are on course to meet the Q4 deadline for significant Quality of Experience enhancements.”
The commission said it is closely tracking operator deployment strategies and working to ensure that plans remain on schedule despite the complexity of nationwide rollouts.
“Nigerians can expect clear improvements in service quality by year-end, given the country’s vast size and complex network deployment challenges,” Maida added.
Major Investment Follows Years of Underinvestment
This large-scale upgrade marks a turning point for Nigeria’s telecom sector, which has faced financial headwinds and chronic underinvestment in recent years.
The $1 billion spend more than doubles the previous year’s capital expenditure and follows the NCC’s approval of a long-awaited 50 per cent tariff increase in early 2025—the first in over a decade.
That tariff review was introduced to help operators manage surging operating costs, which have climbed more than 300 per cent over the last ten years due to inflation, energy price volatility, and foreign exchange challenges.
With improved financial flexibility, operators are now reinvesting in critical infrastructure upgrades, including expanded 4G coverage and the groundwork for broader 5G deployment.
Infrastructure Upgrades to Boost Service Nationwide
The NCC said the upgrades are expected to significantly reduce network congestion, improve call quality, and increase internet speeds for Nigeria’s 160 million telecom subscribers.
Crucially, rural and underserved areas—long plagued by patchy or non-existent coverage—are also targeted for improvement under operators’ 2025 plans.
“Telcos are committed to their Q4 2025 network enhancement plans, backed by significant investments in cutting-edge technology to meet rising digital service demands,” the NCC stated.
Manufacturing and Deployment Complexities
Industry experts caution that while the investment is welcome, deployment timelines remain complex.
Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, explained that manufacturing alone can take 60 to 90 days, with shipping adding another 30 to 40 days.
Additional delays may result from customs clearance, regulatory inspections, and logistics challenges across Nigeria’s vast terrain.
“Expanding a telecom network at this scale is not easy. These are not shelf-ready products you pick off a warehouse,” Emoekpere said. “The entire process from production to deployment could take up to six months or longer before consumers begin to feel the benefits.”
Although specific vendors were not officially named, industry sources suggest Huawei and ZTE are among the principal suppliers for the 2025 upgrades.
Industry Leaders Welcome Investment
The upgrade has been welcomed as overdue by industry groups and consumer advocates alike.
Adeolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, described the plan as aligning with the expectations of millions of Nigerians.
“Quality of service is what subscribers and indeed Nigerians at large, truly need,” Ogunbanjo told The PUNCH. “This is a major boost for one of the biggest sectors contributing to the country’s economy.”
He also noted that recent financial improvements in the sector, such as the clearance of longstanding USSD debts by banks and the government-approved tariff adjustment, have given operators the breathing room they need to invest in infrastructure.
“Now that the banks have settled their debts to the telcos for USSD services, the operators have some breathing room. Combined with the government-approved tariff adjustment, there are now funds to make things happen,” he said.
NCC Pledges Close Oversight
The NCC emphasized its ongoing role in ensuring that network operators deliver on their commitments.
“As the regulator, we collaborate closely with operators to streamline deployment plans and navigate complex dependencies,” Maida said. “We are steadfast in holding them accountable for consistent progress.”
The commission said the upgrades would also advance Nigeria’s digital economy, currently valued at over $75 billion, by boosting broadband penetration and improving the user experience across the country.
“The commission will maintain oversight and engage with stakeholders as needed to ensure success,” Maida added.