By David Lawani, Abuja
Telecommunications operators have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 additional network sites committed nationwide, representing about 70 per cent implementation, despite disruptions caused by fibre cuts, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said.
The development signals accelerated efforts by operators to expand network coverage and capacity, even as the regulator raises concerns over infrastructure damage and introduces tougher technology-driven controls on communication devices.
The NCC disclosed this in a communiqué issued after the 110th meeting of its Board held on September 9, 2026.
The Board said the 8,526 sites represented significant progress from the approximately 5,000 additional sites reported at its previous meeting, indicating faster implementation of operators’ expansion commitments.
It, however, warned that network expansion would have limited impact on service reliability without adequate protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure.
The Board specifically expressed concern over fibre cuts, saying damage to fibre infrastructure contributed to a sharp increase in network outages in June.
It stressed that stronger protection of telecommunications infrastructure was necessary to ensure that additional network capacity translated into more reliable services for subscribers.
While reviewing network expansion, the NCC also disclosed that its Device Management System (DMS) had become operational as part of efforts to strengthen regulation of communication devices operating on Nigerian networks.
The system is designed to enforce compliance with Type Approval requirements and ensure that SIM-enabled communication devices brought into the country are registered and authenticated before sale.
The Commission said devices that were not duly registered would not be permitted to operate on Nigerian telecommunications networks.
The system will also enable the NCC to identify non-compliant and illegally imported devices and strengthen oversight of equipment entering and circulating in the Nigerian market.
Another key feature is the ability to block reported stolen mobile devices across Nigerian networks.
The Commission said the measure could make stolen phones less useful to criminals and reduce incentives for mobile phone theft.
The first phase of the automated Type Approval compliance framework is being implemented with the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers, importers and relevant market associations.
The initial phase focuses on devices already held in stock, while future imports will be expected to undergo registration and authentication.
The framework is anchored on Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires licensed service and facilities providers, manufacturers and suppliers to obtain Type Approval from the NCC before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.
NCC Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, said the initiative followed the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024.
He said the rules provided the framework for establishing a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which would maintain a central registry of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria.
“By establishing a central registry of the IMEI numbers of devices in Nigeria, the Commission will be better positioned to ensure effective and efficient compliance with its Type Approval requirements,” Ogoh said.
He said the registry would strengthen the Commission’s ability to determine whether devices imported, sold or used in Nigeria complied with stipulated technical standards.
The NCC also sought to allay privacy concerns over the system, saying the DMS was designed for device identification and Type Approval compliance and would not provide access to the contents of users’ devices.
Ogoh said the system would retain device identification information, including IMEI numbers, but would not enable the Commission to monitor users’ personal communications.
The Board further disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) and its associated business rules were scheduled to go live in October 2026.
TIRMS is designed to strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and address risks associated with their misuse, reassignment and recycling.
The NCC said the measure had become important as mobile numbers are increasingly linked to financial, social and other digital services.
Meanwhile, the Board expressed concern over what it described as a resurgence of call masking activities, reaffirming its zero-tolerance position on the practice.
It said call masking undermined legitimate telecommunications operations, distorted industry revenues and could constitute economic sabotage.
The Commission said it would work with security and law-enforcement agencies and other industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate the practice.
The NCC also reviewed progress towards zero-rating educational platforms and content, aimed at improving access to online learning by reducing data-cost barriers.
The initiative is scheduled to go live on October 1, 2026.
The Commission said the various measures formed part of its broader efforts to improve network resilience, strengthen digital trust, protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.
