MATINS IBE(Abuja) —The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has announced the Commission’s intention to make low-cost smartphones available in the market.

He explained that the initiative is designed to ensure wider access to mobile devices for Nigerians at more affordable rates.

He made this known recently during a media briefing with journalists in Abuja, stating, “We are exploring ways to bring less expensive smartphones into circulation.”

He also noted that despite the push for affordability, there is a clear shift in usage trends, with more people adopting 4G technology while gradually moving away from 3G and 2G devices.

“From available data, we are observing a steady transition to 4G connectivity. Currently, over 52 percent of users are on 4G networks,” he added.

He also  commended media coverage of the telecommunications sector, describing it as instrumental in supporting the Commission’s work.

According to him, press reporting has helped in policy execution, keeping the public informed about developments, and ensuring regulatory accountability.

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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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