NCC: 8,526 New Telecom Sites Deployed as Operators Push Network Expansion
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), says Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 additional coverage and capacity sites committed to expanding telecommunications infrastructure across Nigeria.
The figure represents approximately 70 per cent of the operators’ commitments and marks significant progress from the roughly 5,000 sites reported at the Commission’s previous board meeting.
The NCC disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the end of its 110th Board Meeting held on September 9, 2026, where the Board reviewed developments in the telecommunications sector, including network expansion, digital security, consumer protection and regulatory technology.
According to the Commission, despite the progress in infrastructure deployment, fibre cuts contributed to a sharp increase in network disruptions in June, highlighting the need to strengthen the protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure.
The Board consequently stressed that infrastructure expansion must be accompanied by measures to improve network resilience and service reliability.
NCC Deploys Device Management System
The Board also announced that the Commission’s Device Management System (DMS) is now live.
The system is expected to strengthen compliance with type-approval requirements, enable the NCC to verify device compliance and discourage the circulation of non-compliant telecommunications devices.
The Commission said the DMS will also support efforts to combat mobile device theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian telecommunications networks.
Meanwhile, the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) is scheduled to go live in October 2026.
The NCC said TIRMS will strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, while reducing risks associated with their misuse, reassignment and recycling, particularly as mobile identities become increasingly linked to financial and other digital services.
The Board, however, emphasised that deployment of the systems must comply with applicable legal, privacy and data protection requirements.
Educational Platforms to Be Zero-Rated
The Board further reviewed progress towards establishing a framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
The initiative is designed to improve digital inclusion and expand students’ access to online educational resources.
The NCC acknowledged the collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, noting that the initiative was officially launched on September 10, while the Go-Live date is October 1, 2026.
Board Moves to Reposition Digital Bridge Institute
The Board also considered proposals for the strategic repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) to enhance its relevance and long-term sustainability.
It approved a phased approach involving two independent consultancies.
One consultancy will conduct a comprehensive assessment of DBI’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position, while the second will examine the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning.
NCC Raises Alarm Over Call Masking
The Commission also expressed concern over the reported resurgence of call masking activities in the telecommunications industry.
The Board reiterated its zero-tolerance position on call masking, describing the practice as a serious regulatory concern that undermines legitimate telecommunications operations and distorts industry revenues.
It said call masking could adversely affect the national economy and reaffirmed its intention to work with security and law-enforcement agencies, as well as telecommunications industry stakeholders, to identify, prevent and eliminate the practice.
The NCC said it would continue to pursue regulatory measures aimed at strengthening network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
The communiqué was signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, on September 13, 2026.
