The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida has given an upbeat assessment of the telecommunication industry noting that with increased investment in the sector by operators, Mobile networks are getting faster and more reliable , leading to a surge of up to 170% in data usage and remarkable drop in consumer complaints.
Speaking at a media Parley at the weekend, the NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida said that operators upgraded over 3,000 tower sites last year, with a target of 12,000 for 2026.
According to the NCC boss, about 2,800 tower upgrades have been completed while a single operator has so fare spent about $1 billion on network upgrades.
While declariong that industry-wide investment topped $1 billion in 2025, Dr Maida said the massive investements have already started showing results as Consumer complaints fell from 351,000 in January 2025 to 76,000 in January 2026 — a 78% drop.
Maida said 52% of telecom users have now migrated from 2G and 3G to 4G, reflecting wider smartphone adoption. Data consumption nationwide has jumped more than 170%.
In order to mitigate the high costs of smart Phones in the country, the EVC said the Commission was pushing for a local assembly of smartphones to boost digital inclusion.
On security, Maida said the Office of the National Security Adviser is coordinating efforts against cybercrime and criminal use of digital platforms.
The NCC has rolled out a revised internet code of practice for operators to take down harmful content.
“I can assure you that all stakeholders are working together,” Maida said, naming the NFVCB, NITDA, NDPC and NBC. “There are occasions where inappropriate contents have been taken down some platforms to protect the citizens and children.”
He urged parents to monitor children’s smartphone and internet access, warning that exposure to harmful content has “far reaching implications on the society.”
Maida asked Nigerians to be patient as sector reforms continue, saying current trends point to sustained service improvements.