75 Million Subscribers Reportedly Compensated for Poor Service, NCC Launches Independent Verification

By Francisca Anuforo,

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced an independent verification exercise to confirm claims by telecommunications operators that more than 75 million subscribers received airtime compensation for poor network services experienced between November 2025 and January 2026.

The move is aimed at ensuring that all eligible subscribers benefited from the compensation programme and that mobile network operators fully complied with the Commission’s directive.

Details contained in a communiqué from the NCC Board meeting held on May 25, 2026, obtained by Technext, indicated that telecom operators reported significant progress in implementing the compensation scheme, with over 75 million subscribers said to have received airtime credits.

However, the Commission said it is independently validating the operators’ claims to ensure transparency and accountability in the process.

“The Board further acknowledged ongoing efforts to independently validate operators’ claims and ensure all eligible subscribers receive compensation due to them, while encouraging consumers to continue their engagement with the Commission,” the communiqué stated.

The compensation directive followed widespread complaints by subscribers over poor quality of service, including call drops, network congestion and connectivity challenges experienced across several parts of the country.

In response, telecommunications operators including MTN, Airtel, Globacom and T2 Mobile reportedly rolled out airtime compensation to affected customers. Compensation amounts ranged from about N19 to nearly N950 depending on the severity of service disruptions experienced.

Industry stakeholders view the NCC’s verification initiative as a significant step towards strengthening consumer protection and reinforcing regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

Beyond the compensation exercise, the Commission disclosed that operators have committed to deploying more than 12,000 additional coverage and capacity sites nationwide to improve network quality and expand access to telecommunications services.

According to the NCC, approximately 5,000 of the planned sites have already been completed, representing about 40 per cent of the target.

The telecommunications industry continues to grapple with challenges such as fibre cuts, vandalism, theft of equipment and deliberate damage to infrastructure despite the Federal Government’s designation of telecom assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure.

The Commission also noted that tower infrastructure companies have been directed to reinvest regulatory fines into network improvement projects across the country. While some progress has been recorded, the NCC stressed the need for full compliance and measurable outcomes from the initiative.

The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to improving service quality, expanding network coverage and protecting consumer interests through continuous monitoring and enforcement of industry regulations.