NCC unveils Q4 2025 report, advocates for data transparency, others to protect telecom consumers

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has formally released its Quarter 4 (Q4) 2025 Network Performance Report with a call for increased transparency, accountability, among others within the nation’s telecommunications industry.

Speaking at a media engagement on the release of the Q4 2025 Report in Abuja on January 28, 2026, the EVC, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida said “Today’s engagement reflects our commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians across cities, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones. It is in this context that we have released the Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports.

“These reports enable us to track progress, identify gaps, and guide targeted regulatory interventions—ranging from spectrum optimisation and infrastructure upgrades to quality-of-service enforcement and the expansion of rural connectivity.

“The data shows clear and steady improvements in network quality, particularly in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas, especially when compared to Q3 performance. Notably, the video Quality of Experience gap between urban and rural areas has narrowed, and the strength of our 4G backbone continues to improve.”

Dr Maida explained that the industry is not without challenges, as reflected in gaps in 5G services and inequalities in upload speeds highlighted in the reports, adding “However, we are actively engaging with operators to address these issues, including gaps in mobile service coverage.”

He disclosed that in 2025, over $1 billion in industry investment resulted in the deployment of more than 2,850 new sites to expand both coverage and capacity nationwide, noting that much of the progress reflected in today’s reports is a direct outcome of these investments.

“We have secured commitments from operators to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026, with infrastructure investments continuing in earnest.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders as we translate these insights into better connectivity, improved service quality, and a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,” the EVC emphasized.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, highlighted that open access to industry data is a guiding principle for the Commission to strengthen the sector and build public trust.

“At the Nigerian Communications Commission, transparency for us has become a guiding principle that underpins our regulatory approach.

“We believe that open access to information strengthens the industry, builds public trust, and reinforces accountability among operators. It is for this reason that the Commission continues to proactively share data and insights on industry performance, not only to support informed decision-making, but also to ensure that service providers remain accountable to consumers,” Oshadami said.

The Executive Commissioner also highlighted the Commission’s strategic partnership with Ookla which led to the development of nationwide Network Coverage Maps and the introduction of Quarterly Network Performance Reports.

According to him, the Q4 2025 report establishes measurable improvements in network performance and a positive shift in the Quality of Experience delivered to consumers.

He stated that the reports highlight trends that matter to stakeholders and to provide precision on the actual state of connectivity across the country.

Oshadami acknowledged the media as critical partners in shaping public understanding of these telecommunications reforms and encouraged the journalists engage critically with the report’s findings in order to accurately report the progress and data-driven insights presented by the commission.

In her remarks, the Head of Public Affairs Department, NCC, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha commended the media in their duties of informing the public, shaping narratives, and guiding national conversations, which she described as critical to the health and sustainability of the telecommunications sector.

“The Commission had in the past affirmed its commitment to accountability and transparency, and a data-driven approach in implementing its mandate. Part of this commitment is the drive to generate accurate, transparent, and timely data. Consequently, we have the responsibility to ensure that this data is properly understood, well‑interpreted, and correctly communicated to the Nigerian public. And in this effort, you, our media partners, are indispensable.

“We value your partnership. Your reporting shapes the national narrative around telecommunications. It affects investor confidence, consumer trust, and policy direction. It influences how Nigerians understand the technologies that power their daily lives,” Ukoha emphasized.

The NCC briefing served as a formal presentation of the latest data following the initial Q3 2025 report published last October as it reiterated its commitment to using these insights to deepen positive results and ensure that every Nigerian continues to witness improved digital experience.