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Mobile network operators in Nigeria have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 coverage and capacity sites committed across the country, representing about 70 per cent implementation, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The latest deployment figure reflects a significant acceleration in network expansion, rising from approximately 5,000 sites reported at the commission’s previous board meeting.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the NCC said the progress was recorded during its 110th board meeting held on September 9.
The commission said operators had now deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 sites committed to improving network coverage and capacity nationwide.
“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 per cent of the communicated commitments,” the NCC stated.
According to the regulator, the latest figure represents accelerated progress compared with the approximately 5,000 sites recorded at the previous board meeting.
The increase means operators have deployed roughly 3,500 additional sites since the last reported assessment, reinforcing ongoing efforts to expand network capacity and improve service quality.
However, the NCC said the expansion is taking place alongside growing challenges to the resilience of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly damage to fibre-optic networks.
Fibre cuts threaten network reliability
The commission said fibre cuts contributed to a sharp increase in network disruptions in June, highlighting the need to protect critical infrastructure as operators continue to expand their networks.
“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,” it said.
Fibre-optic infrastructure carries significant volumes of telecommunications traffic, making damage to major fibre routes capable of affecting voice and data services across multiple locations.
The NCC has previously raised concerns over the high number of fibre cuts associated with road construction, excavation and other infrastructure activities. More than 5,000 fibre cuts were recorded during the first half of 2026, according to earlier warnings from the regulator.
The continued disruption highlights the importance of infrastructure protection and coordinated planning between telecommunications operators and other stakeholders involved in construction and excavation activities.
NCC links network expansion to digital resilience
At its previous board meeting, the NCC reported that operators had deployed more than 5,000 of the over 12,000 sites committed for network expansion, putting implementation at above 40 per cent at the time.
The latest 70 per cent deployment figure therefore represents substantial progress in a relatively short period.
Beyond network expansion, the NCC said its latest board discussions covered broader issues affecting Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, including network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and the sustainable development of the digital economy.
The regulator’s position underscores that expanding telecommunications infrastructure alone may not be sufficient to deliver more reliable services if critical network assets remain vulnerable to repeated damage.
As operators move closer to completing their committed coverage and capacity deployments, stronger protection of fibre networks and other telecommunications infrastructure will remain essential to ensuring that increased network capacity translates into improved service reliability for consumers.
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