Nigeria’s mobile network operators are set to significantly increase spending on telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, pledging to invest more than the over $1bn (about N1.4tn) committed to the sector in 2025, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The assurance follows a year of heavy capital expenditure by telecom operators, during which more than 2,850 new network sites were deployed nationwide. The expansion improved coverage across major cities, rural communities, and key transport corridors, while also supporting the gradual rollout of 5G services.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the improvements highlighted in the regulator’s latest network performance report were largely driven by last year’s investments. He noted that the sector recorded tangible progress in both network coverage and capacity as a direct result of sustained infrastructure spending.
“In 2025, over $1bn in industry investment resulted in the deployment of more than 2,850 new sites to expand both coverage and capacity nationwide. Much of the progress reflected in today’s reports is a direct outcome of these investments,” Maida said in remarks shared with The PUNCH on Thursday.
He added that the commission has secured commitments from operators to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026, as they continue to respond to rising data demand, growing operational costs, and the need to extend reliable connectivity beyond urban centres.
The expansion followed a challenging period marked by financial strain, which had forced operators to seek tariff reviews. A 50 per cent increase in service charges approved by the NCC and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy helped restore profitability, enabling telcos to resume aggressive investment plans.
The NCC’s Q4 2025 network performance report showed steady improvements in key indicators, including higher median download speeds in both urban and rural areas and a narrowing gap in video quality experience. While acknowledging progress, the commission said challenges remain, particularly in 5G availability, upload speeds, and coverage gaps in some regions.
Maida stressed that increased infrastructure spending in 2026 will be critical to addressing these issues and supporting Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
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