BY OR REPORTER —In a move aimed at tightening regulatory oversight and improving service delivery standards, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has announced plans to deploy independent audit professionals to assess whether telecom operators are adhering to consumer protection directives, particularly on compensation for poor-quality service.

Maida disclosed this during the first media engagement session of 2026 held in Abuja on Friday, explaining that the initiative is designed to ensure full enforcement of recent rules requiring operators to compensate users affected by substandard voice and data performance.

According to him, “We will be bringing in external verification experts to confirm that service providers are complying with the established guidelines.”

He further revealed a significant decline in customer complaints relating to network quality, noting that figures dropped from 351,000 to 75,000 following the 2025 tariff review.

Maida encouraged subscribers to make use of the NCC’s dedicated toll-free channels—300 and 622—to report service challenges, while also directing them to the Commission’s online portal for guidance on common service-related issues.

He emphasized that regulatory actions are grounded in openness and accountability, stating that operators have already been issued clear policy instructions to guide compliance.

On infrastructure protection, Maida noted that cooperation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is yielding positive outcomes, with a noticeable reduction in fiber optic cable damage at construction zones across the country.

He also confirmed ongoing expansion of fifth-generation (5G) network infrastructure in major cities, alongside efforts to optimize unused spectrum resources. In addition, he said a comprehensive review of the National Telecommunications Policy is currently underway.

While acknowledging that sector performance still falls short of expectations, he stressed that steady progress is being made.

Other ongoing initiatives include resolution of outstanding USSD-related debts, implementation of a 24-month compliance timeline for new corporate governance standards for operators, and collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to advance digital financial access while curbing electronic fraud.

On handset pricing, Maida stated that regulatory decisions take global market dynamics into account, including coordination with manufacturers to ensure fair consumer pricing.

Addressing concerns over harmful online content, he said the Commission is working with relevant government agencies to develop appropriate intervention mechanisms.

Earlier, the Head of Public Affairs at NCC, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, described the forum as part of sustained stakeholder engagement efforts aimed at strengthening resilience and long-term stability in the telecommunications industry, adding that it provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and media partnership.

Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, also praised media practitioners for accurate reporting and for maintaining oversight of regulatory activities.

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