*Says 2,850 New Sites To Boost Coverage, Capacity Recorded From $1 Billion Investment In 2025
The telecommunications sector in the fourth quarter of year 2025 has witnessed improvements in various aspects over the third quarter reports.
This was disclosed by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida during the lunch of the NCC's Quarter 4 2025 Network Performance Report in Abuja.
Despite challenges, he said, the latest reports showed clear and steady improvements in network quality, particularly in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas.
According to him, the video Quality of Experience gap between urban and rural areas has also narrowed, while the strength of 4G backbone has continued to improve.
Dr. Maida said “Today’s engagement reflects our commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians across cities, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones. It is in this context that we have released the Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports.
"These reports enable us to track progress, identify gaps, and guide targeted regulatory interventions—ranging from spectrum optimisation and infrastructure upgrades to quality-of-service enforcement and the expansion of rural connectivity.
"The data shows clear and steady improvements in network quality, particularly in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas, especially when compared to Q3 performance.
"Notably, the video Quality of Experience gap between urban and rural areas has narrowed, and the strength of our 4G backbone continues to improve."
The industry, the EVC noted, is not without challenges, especially seen in gaps in 5G services and inequalities in upload speeds as contained in the latest reports.
To overcome the challenges, he said that the NCC is actively engaging with operators to tackle the issues, including gaps in mobile service coverage.
On the new sites, he said "In 2025, over $1 billion in industry investment resulted in the deployment of more than 2,850 new sites to expand both coverage and capacity nationwide.
"Much of the progress reflected in today’s reports is a direct outcome of these investments." he stated
He also said NCC has secured commitments from operators to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026, with infrastructure investments continuing in earnest.
"We look forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders as we translate these insights into better connectivity, improved service quality, and a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians.”
Making opening remarks at the official release of the reports, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, noted that open access to information strengthens the industry, builds public trust, and reinforces accountability among operators.
This, he said, has informed the Commission’s continuous and proactively sharing data and insights on industry performance.
Besides supporting informed decision-making, he said that it will also ensure that service providers remain accountable to consumers.
"Last year, the Commission deepened this commitment by partnering with Ookla to develop nationwide Network Coverage Maps. These maps provide consumers with an objective tool to compare network quality across locations and operators.
"As part of this same partnership, we commenced the publication of Quarterly Network Performance Reports, designed to offer consistent, data-driven insights into how networks are performing across the country.
"The first of these reports—the Q3 2025 Network Performance Report—was published in October last year. Today, we are pleased to formally present the Q4 2025 Network Performance Report and to engage with you on its findings."
According to him, the collective efforts in the industry are beginning to yield positive results, adding "We are observing measurable improvements in network performance and, importantly, in the Quality of Experience delivered to consumers.
"We regard the media as strategic partners in this journey. It is important that stories of progress, accountability, and reform are accurately told and widely understood."
On her part, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head Of Public Affairs Department, urged the media in reporting industry data to Nigerians and the world, to always ensure constructive framing.
This, she said, does not mean ignoring sectoral challenges.
She added "It means presenting issues in a way that highlights progress alongside challenges, shows the solutions being deployed, reflects the investments and innovations shaping the sector, recognizes improvements in quality of service and experience, and supports industry resilience."
Stressing that NCC values media partnership, she said reportage shapes the national narrative around telecommunications, affects investor confidence, consumer trust, and policy direction.
She went on "It influences how Nigerians understand the technologies that power their daily lives."