By Miriam Humbe
The Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) rose from its 110th Board meeting on Wednesday with a five-point resolution to among other things, strengthen digital trust and security in the telecommunications ecosystem and ensure infrastructure expansion commitments by operators.
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 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.
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 initiative.
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.
