By Esther Ososanya
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Tuesday announced that it will now prioritize transparency and public disclosure of operators’ performance as its primary regulatory tool.
Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida, said in Abuja that punitive measures such as license suspensions, financial sanctions, and service withdrawals once effective in the early days of voice and text regulation are no longer scalable in today’s data-driven, internet-powered telecom industry.
“We cannot regulate this sector by rules and enforcement alone. The resources required would be humongous. Instead, we are adopting a strategy of information disclosure making Nigerians see which operators are first, second, and last. No operator wants to come last before their board or investors,” Maida said.
Under the new plan, NCC will begin releasing quarterly scorecards of network performance, covering metrics such as download speeds, latency, and quality of service on a state-by-state basis. The first of such reports is expected by late September 2025.
The Commission will also unveil a public performance map, allowing consumers to compare how their operators perform across regions. Maida said this would “put power in the hands of consumers” while nudging operators to compete harder.
Maida noted that competition had already driven down call tariffs from ₦50 per minute in the early 2000s to about ₦18–₦19 today, even after recent tariff adjustments. By extending this competition into data and quality metrics, he said, service delivery will improve further.
He added that the latest tariff review, combined with other government policies, has already unlocked long-delayed investments in the sector. After nearly three years of inactivity, operators have resumed placing orders for new equipment, with the first shipments now arriving in Nigeria for installation.
“The tariff increase, alongside other measures, has triggered investments that far exceed what we have seen in recent years. Equipment orders are being placed, delivered, and installed — though it will take time to reach all 40,000 sites across the country,” he said.
Corporate Governance and Consumer Protection
The NCC is also linking good corporate governance with telecom growth. According to Maida, companies with stronger governance structures not only attract more investment but also provide better services and comply more with regulations.
He further disclosed that NCC is tackling top consumer complaints quality of service, data depletion perceptions, and failed airtime top-ups. A joint task force with the Central Bank of Nigeria is finalizing a standardized framework to resolve recharge failures across payment platforms.
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Maida acknowledged that the new transparency push may make some operators uncomfortable in the short term but insisted it was in the long-term interest of the industry.
“This is not about being vindictive. It is about growth. Just like strong corporate governance gave banks the confidence to recapitalize successfully, transparency will make our telecoms industry stronger, more profitable, and more trusted by consumers and investors,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, also told journalists that the commission is passionate about driving sustainable development and growth and creating value for subscribers and the country’s economy.
“NCC is passionate about driving sustainable development and growth, creating value for subscribers, and contributing to the economic growth of our nation.
“While implementing all these laudable transformative policies, you are the ones that transmit them and convey them to the people of Nigeria,” she stated.
Also, the Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau at NCC, Mrs Freda Ruth Bruce-Bennett, gave guidelines on how telcoms subscribers can manage data.
According to her, subscribers should abolish autoplayon social media accounts, block data-draining malware, disable background data usage, and follow other tips to prevent data depletion.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
