By Emmanuel Thomas
ABUJA-, Nigeria – The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed that a massive $1 billion industry investment in 2025 has yielded a measurable boost in national network performance, narrowing the digital gap between urban and rural communities.
Speaking during a media engagement in Abuja on Wednesday for the release of the Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, disclosed that the investment facilitated the deployment of over 2,850 new sites across the country.
“The data shows clear and steady improvements in network quality, particularly in median download speeds,” Maida stated.
He noted that the Quality of Experience (QoE) gap for video services between urban and rural areas has significantly narrowed, supported by a strengthening 4G backbone.
Despite the positive trends, Dr. Maida acknowledged persistent hurdles, including gaps in 5G services and inequalities in upload speeds.
However, he expressed optimism for the current year, revealing that operators have already committed to exceeding their 2025 investment levels in 2026.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to spectrum optimization, infrastructure upgrades, and the expansion of rural connectivity to ensure a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians.
The Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, emphasized that transparency has become a cornerstone of the Commission’s regulatory approach.
He highlighted the NCC’s partnership with Ookla to develop nationwide Network Coverage Maps, which allow consumers to compare network quality across different operators and locations objectively.
“We believe that open access to information strengthens the industry and builds public trust,” Oshadami said. “Our proactive sharing of data ensures that service providers remain accountable to the consumers they serve.”
In her remarks, the Head of Public Affairs, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, described the media as indispensable partners in interpreting complex industry data for the public.
She urged journalists to adopt “constructive framing” by highlighting progress alongside sectoral challenges to support industry resilience.
“Your reporting shapes the national narrative, affecting investor confidence and consumer trust,” Ukoha noted, adding that the quarterly reports serve as a vital tool for data-driven investigative reporting.
