L-R: Ms Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC); Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, (NCC); Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner Technical Services, (NCC); Mr. Dinesh Balsingh, CEO Airtel Nigeria, during the 95th edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament, at the Centre Point Ikoyi, Lagos State, on 20th October 2026.
By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting telecommunications consumers, warning that operators will be held accountable for poor service quality as the regulator intensifies efforts to improve network performance nationwide.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, gave the assurance at the 95th Telecom Consumer Parliament in Lagos, themed “Enhancing Consumer Experience: Strengthening Service Quality and Consumer Protection in Nigeria’s Digital Economy.”
Maida stressed that effective regulation must translate into tangible improvements in subscribers’ daily experiences, including reliable connectivity, transparent billing and accessible complaint-resolution channels.
He said the Commission would continue to enforce service standards, protect consumer rights and ensure that telecommunications operators deliver the quality of service promised to subscribers.
According to him, the NCC has a responsibility to establish clear standards, hold service providers accountable and provide consumers with effective channels for seeking redress when operators fail to meet their obligations.
He illustrated the impact of poor network services on everyday activities, noting that a trader could lose a sale because of a failed transaction, while a student might miss an assignment deadline due to a slow internet connection.
“These everyday experiences should guide our conversation today, because people want their phones to work, their charges to make sense and someone to take responsibility when things go wrong,” he said.
Highlighting efforts to improve network performance, Maida disclosed that telecommunications operators had undertaken more than 6,500 network improvement interventions in 2026.
He said the interventions included capacity expansion, equipment upgrades and the deployment of newer technologies to improve the reliability of voice and data services across the country.
The NCC chief also encouraged subscribers to use the Commission’s public coverage maps and network performance-monitoring tools available on its website to compare service quality in their respective locations.
He explained that the coverage maps use crowdsourced performance data to help consumers assess network coverage and performance in areas where they live, work or conduct business.
Maida, however, expressed concern over the persistent vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure, warning that fibre-optic cable cuts, equipment theft and damage to network facilities continued to disrupt services and affect businesses and individuals.
He emphasised that protecting telecommunications infrastructure was essential to sustaining reliable services nationwide.
The EVC further disclosed that approximately 75 million subscribers had benefited from airtime compensation under the NCC’s Consumer Compensation Framework in 2026.
He assured consumers that the Commission would continue to enforce regulatory compliance and sanction operators that breached established requirements.
“We will continue to hold operators accountable for the quality of service they provide,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholders Management, Rimini Makama, said the 95th Telecom Consumer Parliament was organised to deepen discussions on network reliability, billing transparency and effective resolution of consumer complaints.
Makama called for stronger collaboration among regulators, telecommunications operators, consumer groups and other stakeholders to build a system that consistently delivers value and confidence to subscribers.
She outlined three key expectations for consumers: reliable services, clear billing without unexpected charges, and fair treatment when complaints are lodged.
According to her, subscribers should be able to understand their data usage, charges and value-added services without confusion or unexplained deductions.
She added that consumers who report service-related problems deserve to be heard, treated fairly and assisted promptly, including those who face additional barriers in accessing telecommunications services.
The NCC said it would sustain its consumer-focused regulatory approach to improve service quality and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Tags: Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Aminu Maida, telecom operators, consumer protection, network quality, airtime compensation, Nigeria telecommunications
