Mobile network operators in Nigeria have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 coverage and capacity sites they committed to across the country.

The Nigerian Communications Commission reported the progress despite continued fibre cuts that disrupt telecommunications services.

The deployment represents about 70 per cent of the operators’ commitments. It marks a clear increase from the roughly 5,000 sites recorded at the previous board meeting of the commission.

The update was given after the NCC’s 110th board meeting held on September 9. The regulator noted that while operators are expanding network capacity to improve coverage and service quality, damage to fibre infrastructure remains a growing threat to reliability.

Fibre cuts contributed to a sharp rise in network disruptions in June. The commission stressed that efforts to expand the network must be matched by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure.

More than 5,000 fibre cuts were recorded in the first half of 2026, many linked to road construction and excavation works. The NCC said discussions at the latest meeting also covered network resilience, consumer protection and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper