Nigeria’s telecommunications sector recorded measurable improvements in network quality in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven largely by more than $1 billion in industry investment, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The improvements were outlined at a media engagement held on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where the NCC formally presented its Q4 2025 Industry Network Performance Report.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, said the quarterly reports are central to the regulator’s push for transparency, accountability and data-driven oversight in the telecoms sector. He noted that sustained regulatory pressure and increased infrastructure rollout by operators are beginning to translate into better quality of service and improved user experience for subscribers.
The NCC’s assessment is underpinned by its collaboration with Ookla, which provides independent, real-world data on network performance across cities, highways, rural communities and emerging 5G zones. The partnership has enabled the Commission to publish nationwide network coverage maps and consistent quarterly performance reports.
Also addressing journalists, the Head of the NCC’s Public Affairs Department, Nnenna Ukoha, described the media as critical partners in ensuring that industry data is accurately interpreted and responsibly communicated to the public. She said the engagement was designed to equip journalists with both performance metrics and the context behind them, encouraging reporting that highlights progress while recognising ongoing challenges.
In a comment on the report, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, said the Q4 2025 data shows clear and steady improvements in network quality, particularly in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas when compared with the previous quarter.
According to Maida, the report also indicates that the video quality-of-experience gap between urban and rural areas has narrowed, while the strength of Nigeria’s 4G backbone continues to improve. However, he acknowledged that gaps remain in 5G services and upload speeds, noting that the Commission is actively engaging operators to address coverage shortfalls and quality-of-service issues.
Maida disclosed that industry investment of over $1 billion in 2025 led to the deployment of more than 2,850 new network sites nationwide, significantly expanding both coverage and capacity. He added that operators have committed to exceeding their 2025 investment levels in 2026 as infrastructure rollout intensifies.
The NCC said it will continue publishing quarterly performance reports and engaging stakeholders as it works to translate industry data into better connectivity, improved service quality and a more inclusive digital future for Nigerians.
