By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Government has directed telecom operators, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and T2, to improve network quality across Nigeria. Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, announced the directive on Sunday. He said the government introduced reforms to stabilise the telecom sector and ensure Nigerians receive better value for money. The reforms target poor connectivity, dropped calls, and unstable internet services nationwide.
Government Introduces Telecom Sector Reforms
Tijani said the government launched several short-term reforms to strengthen the industry. These reforms include tariff adjustments, tax harmonisation policies, and the designation of telecom infrastructure as critical national infrastructure.
According to him, the reforms created a transparent and stable operating environment for telecom companies. As a result, many operators have returned to profitability.
“They are now operating in a more stable, transparent, and market-driven environment and have returned to profitability,” he stated.
The minister stressed that telecom operators now have the financial strength to improve service delivery across Nigeria.
NCC to Monitor and Sanction Operators
Tijani also disclosed that the Nigerian Communications Commission has received more powers to monitor network performance independently.
He explained that the Commission would enforce compliance and sanction operators that fail to improve services. Furthermore, the government plans to rely on consumer complaints and NCC reports to hold telecom companies accountable.
“Where operators deliver, it will be recognised, and where they do not, the Commission is expected to take appropriate regulatory action,” he warned.
Nigerians Expected to Notice Better Network Quality
The minister expressed confidence that Nigerians would soon experience measurable improvements in call quality, internet speed, and network coverage.
He insisted that subscribers deserve quality telecom services that match their spending.
“Nigerians should begin to see improvements in Quality of Service and get value that they paid for now and in the future,” Tijani added.
FG Targets Fibre Expansion and Faster Internet Access
Tijani revealed that the Federal Government secured funding support from the World Bank to expand Nigeria’s fibre-optic infrastructure.
He explained that the government established a framework under Project BRIDGE to deliver nationwide open-access fibre connectivity.
“We have secured funding, led by the World Bank, and established the framework for a special purpose vehicle with Project BRIDGE,” he said.
According to him, fibre deployment and telecom tower expansion under NUCAP will begin before the end of the year. In addition, the government plans to increase satellite connectivity nationwide.
FG Seeks Reliable Internet for Homes and Businesses
Tijani stated that the government wants Nigerians to enjoy stable, high-speed internet services at homes and business locations.
“A small business owner should be able to access reliable, high-speed fibre internet directly at their home or shop,” he explained.
He noted that the current administration inherited major infrastructure challenges caused by years of underinvestment in the telecom sector. Consequently, operators struggled to provide reliable nationwide services.
However, the government has now adopted immediate and long-term strategies to modernise Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
