FG warns telcos over poor service quality

The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has issued a stern warning to telecommunications operators, signaling a new era of accountability for service quality. Minister Dr. Bosun Tijani’s statement underscores a growing public frustration with persistent issues like dropped calls, slow internet, and poor network coverage, making it clear that Nigerians deserve value for their money.

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Going forward, we expect to see clear and measurable improvements in call quality, data performance, and coverage.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is now explicitly empowered to enforce industry standards, meaning operators like MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and Globacom can no longer afford to overlook subscriber complaints. This directive comes after the government has taken steps to create a more stable and profitable environment for these companies, including reforms aimed at financial sustainability and a more transparent market. The expectation is that these improved conditions will translate directly into better services for the end-user.

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Where operators deliver, it will be recognised. Where they do not, the Commission is expected to take appropriate regulatory action.

From Nigeria's perspective, this is a crucial step towards ensuring that the digital economy can thrive. Reliable telecommunications are the backbone of modern commerce, education, and social interaction. While international coverage might focus on the technological advancements in other regions, for Nigerians, the immediate concern is consistent and affordable access to basic communication services. The government’s emphasis on measurable improvements in call quality, data performance, and coverage highlights a pragmatic approach to development that prioritizes the needs of its citizens.

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As a result, operators are now operating in a more stable, transparent, and market-driven environment and have returned to profitability.

The article also touches upon the government's long-term strategy, including securing World Bank funding for nationwide fiber infrastructure expansion under Project BRIDGE, alongside NUCAP tower deployments and satellite expansion. This dual approach—enforcing current service standards while investing in future infrastructure—demonstrates a commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that Nigeria keeps pace with global connectivity trends.

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This is important as it means operators now have both the capacity and the resources to fix outstanding issues within their networks and improve the quality of service delivered to Nigerians.