By Martin Ekpeke
In a landmark year for Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, the telecommunications industry injected over $1 billion into network expansion in 2025, resulting in the successful deployment of 2,850 new base stations nationwide, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida has disclosed.
This massive capital expenditure, according to him has directly fueled measurable improvements in connectivity, particularly narrowing the service gap between urban centers and rural communities.
Speaking in Abuja yesterday at the launch of the NCC’s Quarter 4 2025 Network Performance Report, Dr. Maida, emphasized that the current surge in network quality is a direct dividend of these strategic investments.
“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. The progress reflected in the latest data is the fruit of this multi-billion-dollar commitment,” he explained
The Q4 report, developed in collaboration with global speed-test leader Ookla, highlights a steady upward trajectory in network quality. According to the data, median download speeds have seen clear and steady improvements across both urban and rural areas compared to the third quarter of 2025.
One of the most significant wins for the year was the narrowing of the Video Quality of Experience (QoE) gap, suggesting that Nigerians in remote areas are now enjoying streaming and digital services more consistently than ever before.
Despite the overall success, the NCC remained candid about existing inequalities in the system. The report flagged inconsistencies in 5G service availability and variations in upload speeds across different regions. Dr. Maida assured stakeholders that the commission is actively engaging with mobile operators to address these service gaps and infrastructure imbalances.
“The reports enable us to track progress, identify gaps, and guide targeted regulatory interventions ranging from spectrum optimization to infrastructure upgrades,” he added.
The briefing also featured remarks from Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, who highlighted that transparency has become a guiding principle for the NCC.
“By providing the public with Nationwide Network Coverage Maps, the commission is empowering consumers to compare network quality across locations objectively. This data-driven approach is designed to hold service providers accountable and foster a culture of competition based on actual performance rather than marketing claims,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, has urged the media to adopt constructive framing when reporting on the sector.
She noted that while challenges remain, it is essential to highlight the innovations and investments shaping the industry. “Your reporting affects investor confidence, consumer trust, and policy direction,” Ukoha said, emphasizing that the quarterly reports provide rich material for data-driven investigative journalism and industry monitoring.
The momentum is not expected to slow down. The NCC confirmed it has already secured commitments from major operators to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026. This upcoming cycle of funding is expected to prioritize the 4G backbone and the expansion of the 5G footprint to ensure a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians.
As Nigeria transitions into the 2026 fiscal year, the commission maintains that the industry is no longer just selling airtime, but “selling the reliability” required to power a modern digital economy. With over 2,850 sites added in just 12 months, the foundation for that reliability appears stronger than ever.