By Miriam Humbe
Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC), EVC, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida on behalf of the Commission, launched the release of the Q4 2025 Network, Performance Reports.
The EVC assured that in spite of challenges, as reflected in gaps in 5G services and inequalities in upload speeds highlighted in the reports, the video Quality of Experience gap between urban and rural areas has narrowed, even as the strength of our 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 is not without challenges, as reflected in gaps in 5G services and inequalities in upload speeds highlighted in the reports.
“However, we are actively engaging with operators to address these issues, including gaps in mobile service coverage.
“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.
“We have 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.”
Earlier in his opening remarks, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr Abraham Oshadami, said that transparency had become a guiding principle for the NCC, underpinning its regulatory approach and relationship with industry stakeholders and consumers.
He said that the Commission’s partnership with Ookla had produced nationwide Network Coverage Maps, allowing consumers to objectively compare network quality across locations and operators.
Engr Oshadami said that the quarterly performance reports were introduced to provide consistent, credible, and data-driven insights into how networks are performing across Nigeria.
He said that the objective of the media engagement was to share key findings from the Q4 2025 report, highlight performance trends, and demonstrate how collective efforts are beginning to translate into measurable improvements in network performance and Quality of Experience for consumers.
He therefore described the media as strategic partners in shaping public understanding of developments in the telecommunications sector, urging journalists to critically engage with the data and help amplify stories of progress, accountability, and reform.
NCC’s Head of the Public Affairs Department Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, said the Commission remained committed to generating accurate, transparent, and timely industry data and ensuring that such data is properly understood and correctly communicated to the public.
She said that the media played an indispensable role in interpreting and contextualising industry data for Nigerians, adding that the quarterly performance reports provide valuable material for daily news coverage, feature stories, investigative reporting, and sector monitoring.
Mrs Ukoha encouraged that industry reports be framed and presented constructively with challenges alongside progress, while highlighting solutions, investments, innovations, and improvements in quality of service and experience.
NCC was optimistic that continued collaboration with industry stakeholders and the media will translate the insights from the Q4 2025 report into better connectivity, improved service quality, and a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians.
