The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has visited major telecoms operators in Lagos, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and Open Access Data Centre (WIOCC Group), to demand improved service quality for subscribers. The move follows an earlier directive requiring telcos to compensate customers for poor network performance in specific locations. NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, stated that telecoms operators would be held accountable for any drop in service quality. He emphasized the need for increased investment to expand services to underserved and unserved areas. Maida, alongside NCC Board Chairman Idris Olorunnimbe, assured subscribers that efforts are ongoing to fix infrastructure gaps. They urged Nigerians to remain patient as ongoing investments take effect.
During the visits, Maida acknowledged existing operator investments but called for more. "We need to build more trust in the system. Customers must trust the system," he said. Olorunnimbe highlighted persistent complaints about poor service and rapid data depletion, urging telcos to improve awareness campaigns on data usage triggers. He described observed infrastructure as world-class, affirming Nigeria's global competitiveness in telecoms. ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo praised the NCC's leadership and said the showcased infrastructure proves Nigeria's capacity to match international standards.
Dr. Aminu Maida's promise of accountability rings hollow when Nigerians have heard similar pledges before without measurable change. The fact that Olorunnimbe wakes up to the same complaints about poor service and data depletion shows the gap between regulatory optics and daily reality. If the infrastructure is truly world-class, as claimed, then the failure lies not in capability but in consistent delivery to the average subscriber. This visit may showcase progress, but it does little to guarantee that Nigerians will see better service anytime soon.
