NCC Releases Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports, Records Steady Improvement in Service Quality

     NCC Releases Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports, Records Steady Improvement in Service Quality

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released its Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports, highlighting steady improvements in network quality nationwide, driven by sustained industry investment and data-driven regulatory oversight.

Speaking on the reports, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the release underscores the Commission’s commitment to transparency, evidence-based regulation, and the continuous development of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

According to Dr Maida, the reports were produced in collaboration with global analytics firm Ookla to provide independent, real-world insights into network performance and the everyday experience of telecom consumers across urban centres, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones.

“Today’s engagement reflects our commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians across cities, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones,” he said.

He explained that the Q4 2025 reports serve as a vital regulatory tool, enabling the Commission to monitor progress, identify service gaps, and implement targeted interventions across the sector.

“These reports enable us to track progress, identify gaps, and guide targeted regulatory interventions—ranging from spectrum optimisation and infrastructure upgrades to quality-of-service enforcement and the expansion of rural connectivity,” Dr Maida noted.

Highlighting key findings, the EVC disclosed that the data revealed clear and consistent improvements in network quality compared to the previous quarter, particularly in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas.

“The data shows clear and steady improvements in network quality, especially when compared to Q3 performance. Notably, the video Quality of Experience gap between urban and rural areas has narrowed, and the strength of our 4G backbone continues to improve,” he said.

Dr Maida, however, acknowledged that challenges remain within the industry, including disparities in upload speeds and gaps in 5G service availability, as identified in the reports.

“The industry is not without challenges, as reflected in gaps in 5G services and inequalities in upload speeds. We are actively engaging with operators to address these issues, including gaps in mobile service coverage,” he added.

He further revealed that industry investment played a significant role in the recorded improvements, noting that more than $1 billion was invested in 2025, resulting in the deployment of over 2,850 new network sites nationwide to boost coverage and capacity.

“Much of the progress reflected in today’s reports is a direct outcome of these investments,” the EVC stated.

Looking ahead, Dr Maida disclosed that telecom operators have committed to increasing investment levels in 2026, signaling continued momentum in infrastructure expansion.

“We have secured commitments from operators to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026, with infrastructure investments continuing in earnest,” he said.

The NCC reaffirmed its resolve to work closely with industry stakeholders to translate data insights into tangible improvements for consumers.

“We look forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders as we translate these insights into better connectivity, improved service quality, and a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,” Dr Maida concluded.