The Federal Government has issued a firm directive to telecom operators to urgently improve service quality across the country, as part of a broader reform drive aimed at fixing Nigeria’s long-standing network challenges.
The Supervising Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, stressing that operators must now take full responsibility for delivering reliable service to subscribers.
According to him, the government has already laid the groundwork for sector-wide transformation through structural reforms and fresh investments. These include World Bank-supported funding for “Project BRIDGE,” a nationwide open-access fibre infrastructure initiative expected to significantly expand broadband coverage.
Tijani explained that new fibre deployments and tower expansions under NUCAP are scheduled to begin before the end of the year, alongside improvements in satellite connectivity. He said these projects are designed to deliver lasting improvements in internet access and connectivity within the next two to five years.
Beyond long-term investments, the minister noted that immediate reforms—such as tariff adjustments, tax harmonisation, and the classification of telecom infrastructure as critical national assets—have been introduced to stabilise the sector. He also pointed to broader economic changes, including fuel subsidy removal and currency reforms, as factors that have improved the operating environment for telecom companies.
Major operators such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and 9mobile are now expected to reinvest gains into addressing persistent issues such as dropped calls, weak data signals, and poor coverage.
Regulatory oversight will be strengthened through the Nigerian Communications Commission, which has been empowered to enforce service standards without interference. The commission will rely on periodic performance reports and user feedback to guide enforcement actions.
Tijani emphasised that Nigerians should begin to experience noticeable improvements in service quality in the coming months, adding that compliance will be rewarded, while failure to meet standards will attract regulatory sanctions.
“The conditions for improved service delivery have been established. It is now the responsibility of operators to ensure Nigerians get value for their money,” he said.
The government insists the renewed push marks a turning point for Nigeria’s telecom sector, with accountability now firmly placed on service providers.
Nigeria Tightens Grip on Telecom Quality as Minister Issues New Mandate
