Federal Government Urges Telecom Operators to Enhance Service Quality
The Federal Government has directed telecommunications operators to enhance service quality in Nigeria, asserting that the necessary conditions for improved service delivery are now in place. This directive was announced on Sunday by Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, who emphasized that carriers possess both the capacity and resources to address existing network issues.
Investment in Nigeria’s Digital Infrastructure
Tijani highlighted the government’s commitment to investing in projects aimed at closing significant gaps in the country’s digital infrastructure. Notably, Project Bridge was introduced as a pivotal initiative to expand Nigeria’s national fiber backbone from approximately 30,000 km to 120,000 km, with a goal of connecting all 774 local government areas and achieving nationwide connectivity.
Since its announcement in August 2025, Project Bridge has secured substantial backing, including $200 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB), $500 million from the World Bank, and $100 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
According to Tijani, the project is designed to provide small and medium-sized business owners with access to reliable, high-speed fiber internet, directly eliminating the need for less dependable mobile connections or dongles. “When we took office, it was clear that Nigeria’s connectivity challenges are structural, stemming from years of underinvestment in infrastructure,” Tijani noted. He outlined the government’s strategy to tackle these issues from multiple fronts, focusing on long-term structural solutions.
The Minister revealed that funding, primarily led by the World Bank, has been secured to establish a special purpose vehicle framework for Project Bridge. This initiative aims to facilitate the deployment of open-access fiber infrastructure throughout the nation. Fiber deployment is expected to commence by the end of the year, coinciding with the installation of new towers by NUCAP and an expansion of satellite capacity.
Addressing Sustainability and Regulatory Challenges
To further mitigate Nigeria’s connectivity issues, the government has initiated a sustainability program to remove barriers hindering telecommunications operators. Tijani pointed to macroeconomic reforms, such as adjustments to customs regulations, measures to stabilize the naira, and the removal of fuel subsidies, as crucial to creating a more favorable environment for operators.
These reforms are intended to provide operators with a stable, transparent, and market-driven operational framework, thereby restoring profitability. “We are focused on immediately stabilizing the telecommunications sector and have made necessary decisions to achieve this goal,” he added.
Monitoring and Compliance of Service Standards
Tijani confirmed that telecommunications companies have the resources and capability to remedy outstanding network issues and improve service provision. He further stated that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would monitor telecom operators to ensure compliance with established service standards.
The Ministry of Communications is committed to relying on regular NCC reports and public feedback to supervise network performance. Furthermore, the NCC will monitor complaints from the public to help gauge service quality and plan future engagements with telecom operators.
Expectations for Future Improvements
In a firm message, Tijani cautioned that telecom companies failing to demonstrate tangible service improvements would face regulatory consequences. “Moving forward, we anticipate clear enhancements in call quality, data performance, and overall coverage. Carriers will be recognized for their successes,” he stated.
Yet, he warned that if improvements are not realized, the NCC would take appropriate regulatory action. “Nigerians should expect to see an uptick in service quality and value for their money, not only now but in the future. We are dedicated to ensuring that the sector meets these expectations,” Tijani concluded.
