NCC Advocates for Collaborative Approaches in Telecommunications Infrastructure
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged other states within the federation to adopt the practices implemented by Edo State, where contractors proactively notify both the NCC and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) before commencing road construction projects. This initiative is aimed at reducing disruptions to telecommunications services during construction activities.
At the recent 2026 NCC Breakfast with Journalists held in Abuja, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) Dr. Amim Maida praised Edo State for its effective method of managing telecommunications infrastructure during roadworks. He emphasized that this model would be implemented by the commission and encouraged other states to follow suit.
Dr. Maida stated, “Edo State’s approach to contractor notification is commendable and serves as a model for others. Before any work begins, contractors must inform telecommunications service providers about upcoming projects. This straightforward action has significantly minimized accidents linked to construction activities, making it essential for other states to adopt similar practices.”
Addressing the current quality of service experienced by Nigerians, Dr. Maida acknowledged that while improvements are evident, there is still room for growth. He noted, “We are starting to see the right signals in terms of user experience, backed by independent crowdsourced data from users nationwide, showing a positive trend in service quality.”
He elaborated on the increasing demand for telecommunications services, saying, “Better service is leading to higher consumption. While we need to remain patient, the over $1 billion investment made last year is expected to be sustained.”
Throughout the past year, nearly 3,000 telecommunications sites were upgraded to enhance coverage and capacity, with this year projecting approximately 12,000 site upgrades and deployments. Dr. Maida highlighted that upgrades are transitioning from older 2G and 3G technologies to more advanced 4G and 5G systems.
Although there are indications of progress, challenges such as latency and jitter persist. Dr. Maida reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to enhancing user experience, stating, “We are still encountering issues, but improvements in average speed illustrate that we are heading in the right direction.”
Regarding the compensation mandated for subscribers experiencing service degradation, Dr. Maida explained, “This strategy was implemented to restore some value to subscribers affected by inadequate service, ensuring that both operators and the government give back to those who have faced poor service.” He confirmed that this initiative will continue as part of the NCC’s regulatory framework.
Fostering Industry Dialogue for Progress
Rimini Macama, an Executive Committee Member of Stakeholder Management, emphasized the importance of dialogue between the NCC and media representatives. “We believe that an informed press contributes to an informed public, which is a powerful catalyst for progress within the telecommunications sector,” he stated.
Nnena Ukoha, Director of Communications at the NCC, expressed her hopes that the platform would facilitate constructive discussions on emerging trends and sustainability efforts in the telecommunications industry. She affirmed that open dialogues are crucial for cultivating resilience within the sector.
