The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed Mobile Network Operators to compensate subscribers in areas where network quality falls below prescribed standards. The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday, 29th of March , 2026 by the NCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha.
The mobile network operators licensed to provide telecommunication services in Nigeria MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), and T2, formerly known as 9mobile are all covered under the directive, which the Commission said is aimed at strengthening consumer protection across Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Under the directive, compensation will be issued in the form of airtime credits, calculated based on subscribers’ average usage patterns and their presence in specific Local Government Areas where service failures are recorded within defined timeframes.
The NCC emphasized that the measure marks a shift toward a more consumer-focused regulatory approach, moving beyond traditional fines to ensure that telecom users receive tangible relief for poor service.
The Commission also extended the directive to tower companies, mandating them to reinvest fines imposed on them into measurable infrastructure upgrades, in addition to any further penalties the Commission may apply.
The latest directive comes amid growing complaints from Nigerians over frequent network disruptions, dropped calls, and slow internet services across major cities, with subscribers grappling with persistent issues including network congestion, unexplained data depletion, and fluctuating signals despite rising tariffs.
The NCC stressed that telecommunications services underpin economic activity, social interaction, and access to digital opportunities, warning that poor service quality damages productivity, commercial activities, and public confidence in the country’s communications system. The Commission reiterated its commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability across the sector.
