The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a strong warning to telecommunications operators across the country, directing them to urgently improve the quality and reliability of their services or face regulatory consequences. The move follows a surge in complaints from subscribers who say network performance has deteriorated significantly, particularly since the festive yuletide period.
Industry observers have described the Commission’s latest intervention as a decisive “wake-up call,” reflecting growing impatience among regulators and consumers alike over persistent call drops, slow internet speeds, delayed messages, and service outages. For millions of Nigerians who rely on mobile networks for business transactions, remote work, education, and social connection, the ongoing service failures have become a source of widespread frustration.
To underline its seriousness, the NCC has released a comprehensive, data-backed network performance report developed in collaboration with Ookla, a globally recognised authority in network intelligence and performance measurement. The report provides an independent, empirical assessment of how each telecom operator is performing across key indicators such as download speed, upload speed, latency, and jitter.
According to the Commission, the publication of the report marks a strategic shift toward a more transparent and evidence-based regulatory framework. Rather than relying on operator-submitted data or promotional claims, the NCC says it is now placing objective performance metrics at the centre of its oversight role.
The findings reveal a widening performance gap within Nigeria’s telecom sector. While some operators are making measurable progress in delivering faster and more stable services, others continue to lag behind, struggling to provide consistent network quality nationwide.
MTN emerged as the strongest overall performer in the report, recording consistently high download and upload speeds across much of the country. The data also showed that the operator maintained relatively stable latency and jitter levels, factors that are critical for smooth voice calls, video streaming, and real-time digital services. According to the report, MTN’s balanced performance profile placed it ahead of its competitors in terms of overall Quality of Service.
“The data indicates that MTN has sustained a comparatively even network experience across multiple regions,” the report noted, highlighting the operator’s ability to deliver speed without sacrificing stability.
In contrast, the report raised concerns about Globacom’s network performance, particularly in the areas of latency and jitter. These issues, the NCC explained, directly affect time-sensitive applications such as video conferencing, online gaming, and digital payment platforms. Subscribers on the Glo network are therefore more likely to experience delays, interruptions, and degraded service quality during real-time usage.
The assessment of 9mobile (referred to as T2 in the report) also pointed to uneven results. While the operator achieved occasional spikes in high-speed performance in certain locations, the NCC noted that these gains were not consistent nationwide. The report identified a “significant gap” in the operator’s overall Quality of Service, suggesting the need for broader network optimisation and investment.
Airtel’s performance was described as mixed. The report observed a temporary dip in some performance indicators as the company navigates the transition toward wider 5G deployment. Latency was flagged as a key area requiring urgent attention. However, the Commission also acknowledged Airtel’s strong presence in major urban centres, where its 4G infrastructure continues to deliver competitive download speeds and reliable coverage.
The NCC explained that its partnership with Ookla reflects a deliberate move toward data-driven regulation, aimed at strengthening accountability and restoring consumer confidence in the telecom sector. The report, which will be published quarterly, is designed to help subscribers make informed choices based on independent analytics rather than advertising or brand perception.
Speaking anonymously to Vanguard, a senior NCC official said the Commission was no longer willing to overlook poor service delivery. According to the official, the regulator has reached a point where decisive action is unavoidable.
“For the Commission, the gloves are off,” the official said. “Operators will either adjust or face enforcement measures. When you look at the data, you understand why subscribers are unhappy. At this stage of our telecom development, Nigerians should not be dealing with these kinds of service problems. The regulator is now fully committed to doing its job.”
The official added that the new data-led approach would also eliminate accusations of regulatory bias, as all decisions would be anchored on independently verified performance metrics rather than subjective assessments.
“We are moving toward a fully data-driven regulatory regime, so no operator can claim unfair treatment,” he explained. “What I’m sharing reflects the mindset of the Commission. Evidence-based regulation will not only improve oversight but also create a more attractive environment for infrastructure investment.”
According to the NCC, identifying service gaps through credible data allows the regulator to design targeted policy interventions that encourage network expansion, technological upgrades, and more reliable nationwide connectivity.
With the release of the report, analysts say telecom operators are now under intense scrutiny. Failure to address long-standing network weaknesses could expose them to sanctions ranging from fines to stricter compliance measures. For subscribers, the NCC’s tough stance offers renewed hope that sustained regulatory pressure may finally translate into better service quality across Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
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