The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) held its 110th
Meeting on September 9, 2026.
At the Meeting, the Board received updates on strategic priorities, operational
performance and market developments as part of the EVC/CEO Report. The
Board also considered key regulatory and industry matters affecting the
telecommunications sector.
Following extensive deliberations, the following resolutions and observations were
noted:
Infrastructure Expansion Commitments by Operators
The Board noted the earlier public communication arising from its 109th Meeting
regarding the commitment by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to deploy
additional infrastructure towards expanding network coverage, capacity and Quality
of Experience.
The Board further noted that 8,526 out of the 12,179 committed coverage and
capacity sites have now been deployed across the country, representing
approximately 70% of the communicated commitments. This reflects accelerated
progress from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at the last meeting.
Despite this progress, the Board noted that fibre cuts contributed to a sharp rise in
network disruptions in June, underscoring the need for infrastructure expansion to
be matched by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure. The
Board emphasised the need for continued focus on network resilience and service
reliability.
Strengthening Digital Trust and Security in the Telecommunications
Ecosystem
The Board noted Management’s update on the Commission’s deployment of
technology platforms to strengthen trust, security and integrity within Nigeria’s
telecommunications ecosystem and the broader digital economy.
The Board noted that the Device Management System (DMS) is now live and is
supporting enhanced type approval compliance through technology. The DMS will
improve the Commission’s ability to verify device compliance, discourage the
circulation of non-compliant devices and support efforts to deter mobile device theft
by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian networks.
The Board further noted that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management
System (TIRMS), together with its associated business rules, is scheduled to go live
in October 2026. TIRMS will strengthen the governance of telecommunications
identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks associated with the misuse,
reassignment or recycling of such identities, particularly as they are increasingly
linked to financial, social and other digital services.
The Board reaffirmed the importance of deploying these regulatory technology
platforms in a manner that protects consumers, supports lawful digital services,
strengthens market integrity and remains consistent with applicable legal, privacy
and data protection requirements.
Zero-rating Educational Platforms and Content
The Board reviewed the progress made by Management in its engagement with
industry players and relevant stakeholders towards developing a framework for zerorating educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
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The Board noted that the initiative is aimed at promoting digital inclusion and
enhancing access to educational resources for students. It commended the valuable
collaboration of the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in
supporting the initiative.
The Board further noted that the initiative will be officially launched on September
10, 2026, with the Go-Live date scheduled for October 1, 2026. The Board
reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the sustainable implementation of the
initiative.
Strategic Repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute
The Board considered the report and recommendations on the proposed
repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), including the development of a
strategic roadmap to strengthen its relevance and long-term sustainability.
The Board noted the proposed phased approach to the repositioning exercise and
the proposal for two independent consultancies to support the process. The first
consultancy will undertake a comprehensive audit of DBI’s structure, operations,
human resources and institutional position. The second will assess the commercial
and legal viability of the proposed repositioning initiati
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Resurgence of Call Masking Activities in the Telecommunications Industry
The Board noted the report on the resurgence of call masking activities within the
telecommunications industry and expressed concern over the implications for the
integrity, security and orderly development of the telecommunications ecosystem.
The Board reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance position on call masking,
which remains an unacceptable practice and a serious regulatory concern. The Board
further noted that call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications
operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes an act of economic sabotage
capable of adversely impacting the national economy.
The Board reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to collaborate with relevant security
and law-enforcement agencies, as well as industry stakeholders, to identify, prevent
and eliminate call masking activities.
The Meeting ended with a commitment to stakeholders that the Commission will
continue to promote transparency in its operations and pursue regulatory actions
that support network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer
protection, fair competition and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Dated this 9th day of September 2026.
Issued by the Office of the
Commission Secretary following the
110th Meeting of the Governing Board.
