Nigerian telecom operators roll out 8,526 tower sites in first 8 months of 2026 – NCC

Nigerian telecom operators have now rolled out 8,526 out of the 12,179 committed coverage and capacity sites in 2026, representing a 70% delivery rate. This was revealed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) during its board’s 110th Meeting on September 9, 2026. 

The infrastructure deployment forms part of the mobile network operator’s (MNO) move to set up new connectivity tools and expand network coverage nationwide. It also represents part of the commitment that stems from promises made by telecom players following the 50% tariff adjustment implemented in May 2026. 

Compared to 179.6 million telecom subscribers as of December 2025, industry players added about 15.6 million during the first seven months of 2026. Delivering a quality network for existing and new customers requires upgrading towers, fibre optic cables, connectivity tools and deploying new ones. 

While revealing the figures, the board, in its statement, noted that the development builds on the 5,000 network sites revealed during its last meeting. This means that operators added 3,526 between May and August 2026.

“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,” part of the statement reads. 

While the network type of the sites was not stated, new telecom infrastructure is expected to translate to better coverage, faster data speeds, and fewer dropped calls for the average Nigerian. The addition helps relieve network congestion in crowded areas such as cities, shopping malls and other social gatherings. 

Total telecom users in Nigeria now stand at 195.1 million as of July, an increase from 192.23 million recorded in June 2026. Also, MTN Nigeria, with its 100 million subscribers, holds approximately 52.1% of the total telecom subscriber base in the country.

Airtel remained in second place with 66.76 million subscribers, while Globacom remained third after ending the month with 23.63 million subscribers. T2mobile (formerly 9mobile) stayed fourth with 3.61 million subscribers. July was the first month in the last four where the operator witnessed a rise in subscriber counts.

Also Read: NCC begins process to block unregistered phones and other SIM-enabled devices.

NCC: fibre cuts continue to threaten telecoms advancement 

During the first six months of the year, the commission had previously revealed that the industry suffered more than 5,000 fibre cuts, mostly attributed to road construction and rehabilitation activities nationwide. 

In its latest meeting, the NCC board also noted that fibre cuts contributed to a sharp rise in network disruptions in June, showing how this continues to be a major challenge for telecom operators’ aim of delivering quality networks. It’s also in the realisation that fibre, as a critical communications infrastructure, connects millions of Nigerians to digital services and opportunities.

Every fibre cut incident directly results in a drop in network quality that causes significant outages, affecting businesses and digital payments. This is becoming noticeable at a time when telecom infrastructure is a critical national lifeline that connects key sectors such as banking, government services, education, healthcare, commerce, security and emergency communications to Nigerians.

The NCC board has identified the need for infrastructure expansion to be matched by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure. It also emphasised the need for continued focus on network resilience and service reliability.

In its latest move to curb fibre cuts, the commission inaugurated a Standing Committee on the Protection of Fibre Optic Cables. It comprises Permanent Secretaries of the Federal Ministry of Works and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. The committee is expected to develop practical coordination mechanisms before, during and after roadworks.