The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a stern warning to telecommunications operators to urgently improve the quality of their services or face regulatory sanctions, following mounting complaints from subscribers over persistent network failures.
The warning, described by industry insiders as a “riot act,” comes amid widespread frustration by consumers who say telecom services have been largely unreliable since the yuletide period.
To demonstrate its resolve, the NCC has published a data-driven network performance report developed in partnership with Ookla, a global leader in network intelligence and performance measurement, clearly showing how each operator is performing across key indicators.
The report revealed a growing divide in Nigeria’s telecom sector, with some operators making notable progress in high-speed delivery while others continue to struggle with service consistency.
According to the findings, MTN emerged with the strongest national performance profile, consistently delivering high download and upload speeds alongside relatively stable latency and jitter values.
“The data shows that MTN has maintained a balanced network experience across the country,” the report stated, noting that its performance placed it ahead of competitors in overall Quality of Service.
However, the report painted a less flattering picture of Globacom, indicating that latency and jitter are significantly affecting its network performance.
The NCC noted that these issues are having a direct impact on real-time applications such as video calls and online payment platforms, resulting in poor user experience for subscribers on the Glo network.
Analysis of T2 (9mobile) also showed uneven performance across different regions. While the operator recorded occasional high-speed peaks, the report said there remains “a significant gap” in its overall national Quality of Service.
For Airtel, the report highlighted a performance dip as the sector transitions towards 5G deployment, with latency identified as an area requiring urgent improvement.
Nevertheless, the regulator acknowledged Airtel’s strength in urban centres, noting that the network continues to maintain a competitive edge in download speeds through its 4G infrastructure.
The Commission explained that its partnership with Ookla reflects a deliberate shift towards data-driven regulation aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the telecom sector.
Published quarterly, the report is designed to empower consumers to make informed decisions based on independent analytics rather than marketing claims by operators.
According to Vanguard, a senior NCC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Commission was no longer prepared to tolerate poor service delivery.
“For the Commission, the gloves are off. The telcos will have to adjust or get a hammer. You need to see the report and you wouldn’t ask why people are not able to enjoy telecom services anymore. At this time of our telecom life? No, the regulator is now out to do its job,” the official said.
The official stressed that the NCC’s new approach would eliminate accusations of bias while strengthening regulatory oversight.
“We are driving towards a data-driven regulatory regime, so nobody will accuse us of bias. Although I am not supposed to talk officially on the issue, what I am telling you is the mind of the Commission,” he added.
He further explained that evidence-based regulation would help attract infrastructure investment and improve nationwide connectivity.
“Data-driven regulation strengthens transparency and drives better service delivery nationwide. When we identify these service gaps, it helps the Commission make evidence-based policy interventions that attract infrastructure investment and ensure reliable connectivity for all Nigerians,” the official stated.
With the publication of the report, industry watchers say telecom operators are now under intense pressure to fix long-standing network issues or risk facing the full weight of the regulator.