The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reported significant progress on operator infrastructure commitments and announced the October 1, 2026 go-live date for zero-rating of educational platforms, following its 110th Meeting held on September 9, 2026.
The Board received updates from the EVC/CEO on strategic priorities and market developments.
It noted that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have deployed 8,526 out of 12,179 committed coverage and capacity sites nationwide.
This represents approximately 70% of the communicated commitments, an acceleration from the about 5,000 sites reported at the 109th Meeting.
Despite the progress, the Board, in a communiqué issued by the Office of the Commission Secretary at the end of the 110th Meeting of the Governing Board, noted that fibre cuts contributed to a sharp rise in network disruptions in June.
It emphasised that infrastructure expansion must be matched by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure and continued focus on network resilience and service reliability.
The Board received updates on regulatory technology platforms aimed at strengthening trust, security and integrity in the telecom ecosystem.
1. Device Management System (DMS) – now live. It will support enhanced type approval compliance, verify device compliance, discourage circulation of non-compliant devices, and enable blocking of reported stolen devices across Nigerian networks.
2. Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) – scheduled to go live in October 2026. TIRMS will strengthen governance of telecom identities including mobile numbers, and reduce risks linked to misuse, reassignment or recycling of identities as they become tied to financial, social and other digital services.
The Board reaffirmed that both platforms must be deployed to protect consumers, support lawful digital services, strengthen market integrity and remain consistent with legal, privacy and data protection requirements.
The Board reviewed progress on the framework for zero-rating educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, is aimed at promoting digital inclusion and enhancing access to educational resources for students.
The Board noted that the initiative will be officially launched on September 10, 2026, with the Go-Live date scheduled for October 1, 2026.
It reaffirmed commitment to monitoring sustainable implementation.
The Board also considered the strategic repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI).
It noted a proposed phased approach supported by two independent consultancies – one for a comprehensive audit of DBI’s structure and operations, and the second to assess commercial and legal viability.
On industry integrity, the Board expressed concern over the resurgence of call masking activities.
It reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance position, describing call masking as “an unacceptable practice and a serious regulatory concern” that undermines legitimate operations, distorts revenues and constitutes economic sabotage.
The Board reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to collaborate with security and law-enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking.
The meeting ended with a commitment to continue promoting transparency, and pursuing regulatory actions that support network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.