FG Pressures Telcos to Fix Poor Network Services

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Government has stepped up pressure on telecommunications operators in Nigeria, insisting that persistent poor network quality, dropped calls and unstable internet services must be urgently addressed by service providers.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, stated this in a Sunday statement, saying the government had already put in place the necessary reforms and infrastructure frameworks needed to improve service delivery across the sector.

He said there should be no further excuses from operators, noting that the responsibility for fixing ongoing service failures now rests squarely on telecom companies operating in the country.

Tijani’s comments come amid growing frustration among Nigerians over worsening telecom experiences, including slow internet speeds, frequent network outages and dropped calls, which have affected businesses, financial transactions and everyday communication.

The minister explained that the current administration inherited a structurally weak telecom sector, largely due to years of underinvestment in critical infrastructure. However, he said significant reforms have since been introduced to stabilise and reposition the industry.

According to him, government interventions have addressed both immediate operational challenges and long-term infrastructure gaps through policy adjustments, regulatory reforms and large-scale investment initiatives.

A major component of the reforms, he said, is the World Bank-backed Project BRIDGE, which is designed to drive nationwide deployment of open-access fibre optic infrastructure to improve broadband penetration and reliability.

Tijani disclosed that deployment of fibre infrastructure, alongside new telecom tower installations under the Nigerian Universal Communication Access Project, is expected to commence before the end of the year. He also noted that satellite connectivity expansion is part of ongoing efforts to reach underserved communities.

“These investments will address the foundational gaps in our digital infrastructure over the next two to five years and permanently transform connectivity across Nigeria,” he said.

He stressed that the government’s long-term goal is to ensure that Nigerians, including small business owners, have access to reliable high-speed internet without relying solely on unstable mobile networks.

“A small business owner should be able to access reliable, high-speed fibre internet directly at their home or shop, not rely solely on dongles or unstable mobile connections. That is the level of meaningful connectivity we are building towards,” he added.

Tijani also pointed to broader economic and regulatory reforms aimed at stabilising the telecom sector, including tariff adjustments, designation of telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, tax harmonisation efforts and wider macroeconomic policy changes.

The tariff review introduced earlier in 2025 had triggered public backlash, with many subscribers already struggling with rising costs and poor service delivery.

In recent months, complaints have intensified across the country, with users reporting repeated service interruptions, delayed internet access and poor call quality affecting businesses and personal communication.

In response, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had directed telecom operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor service delivery in areas where standards were not met, while also warning of sanctions for continued non-compliance with Quality of Service regulations.

Tijani maintained that the reforms have now created a more stable and predictable operating environment for telecom operators, improving their financial capacity to invest in infrastructure upgrades.

“This is important as it means operators now have both the capacity and the resources to fix outstanding issues within their networks and improve the quality of service delivered to Nigerians,” he said.

He stressed that with the new framework in place, telecom operators including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and 9mobile must now take full responsibility for improving service quality nationwide.

“Let me therefore be clear, the conditions required for improved service delivery have now been established. It is now the responsibility of telecom operators such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and 9mobile to take all necessary steps to resolve network challenges and deliver the level of service Nigerians expect,” Tijani stated.

He added that the NCC has been fully empowered to independently monitor performance, enforce compliance and sanction defaulting operators where necessary.

According to him, government will continue to rely on regulatory performance reports and public feedback to track improvements in the sector.

“Going forward, we expect to see clear and measurable improvements in call quality, data performance, and coverage. Where operators deliver, it will be recognised. Where they do not, the Commission is expected to take appropriate regulatory action,” he said.

Tijani assured Nigerians that government remains committed to ensuring improved telecom service delivery and value for money across the sector.