Nigeria’s telecom sector is rebuilding under pressure as rising complaints expose network failures.
The Nigerian Communications Commission says operators invested ₦2.5 trillion in 2025.
As a result, users reported widespread complaints about dropped calls, slow data, and unstable internet.
Heavy Investment Surge
In response, Mobile Network Operators spent ₦2.13 trillion on upgrades and nationwide expansion projects.
Meanwhile, Tower Companies injected ₦373.8 billion to strengthen infrastructure and modernise telecom facilities.
Consequently, the Commission describes this period as a recovery phase after years of under-investment.
Network Expansion Push
Across the country, operators upgraded or deployed more than 2,800 telecom sites in 2025.
These upgrades reduce congestion, close coverage gaps, and meet rising digital demand.
However, many users still experience poor service quality across urban and rural areas.
For example, they report dropped calls, slow browsing speeds, and frequent service disruptions.
Furthermore, telecom services now support business, education, banking, and daily life.
Therefore, the regulator increased monitoring using data-driven Quality of Service tools.
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Looking ahead, operators continue expansion into 2026 with over 12,000 additional sites planned.
Already, they completed nearly 3,000 sites across different regions.
In addition, they deployed more than 730 new 5G sites across 27 states in 2026.
Operators also add network layers, expand fibre, and upgrade ageing infrastructure systems.
As a result, 4G penetration rose from 45% in 2024 to 54% currently.
At the same time, median download speeds improved from 16.5Mbps to 20Mbps.
Likewise, tower power availability increased slightly from 99.3% to 99.7%.
Regulation And Challenges
Despite these gains, many areas still face congestion and unstable network performance.
Therefore, stricter Quality of Service rules began enforcement in 2024.
Now, regulators penalise operators, require compensation, and impose investment obligations for poor service.
Meanwhile, external challenges still disrupt telecom infrastructure across the country.
Fibre cuts, vandalism, theft, and power failures continue to damage operations.
In 2025, construction and vandalism caused over 27,000 fibre cuts nationwide.
To address this, authorities collaborate with security agencies to protect infrastructure.
Additionally, operators notify users during outages and restore services within set timelines.
Finally, the regulator explores a wholesale broadband market to reduce data costs.
Despite challenges, telecom investment continues and drives ongoing sector growth.
