Nigeria telecom investment exceeded $1bn in 2025, driving new network sites and improved service quality, according to the NCC

Nigeria’s telecommunications industry attracted more than $1bn in capital investment in 2025, leading to the deployment of over 2,850 new network sites nationwide and contributing to measurable improvements in service quality, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Also read: NCC eyes satellite tech to connect 23m underserved Nigerians

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed the figures on Thursday following the release of the commission’s fourth quarter 2025 Network Performance Reports, compiled in collaboration with global internet analytics firm Ookla.

Dr Maida said the Nigeria telecom investment drive expanded both network coverage and capacity, underpinning stronger performance recorded in the final quarter of the year across urban centres, rural communities, highways and emerging 5G zones.

According to the report, median download speeds improved in both urban and rural areas compared with the previous quarter, while the gap in video Quality of Experience between locations narrowed.

The data also showed a strengthening of the national 4G backbone.

Dr Maida said the reports provide a critical tool for tracking progress and guiding regulatory action, including spectrum optimisation, infrastructure upgrades, quality of service enforcement and the expansion of rural connectivity.

He said much of the progress reflected in the fourth quarter assessment was a direct outcome of the significant capital investments made by industry operators during the year.

The NCC chief described the findings as evidence of the commission’s commitment to transparent, data driven regulation and the steady development of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Despite the gains, Dr Maida acknowledged persistent gaps in 5G availability, upload speeds and overall mobile coverage, noting that the commission remains engaged with operators to address the shortfalls.

He added that operators have indicated plans to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026, signalling continued capital inflows as the NCC intensifies efforts to expand connectivity and deliver resilient, high quality telecommunications services nationwide.

Also read: NCC ranks second in 2025 MDA website performance

Industry analysts said the scale of investment highlights growing confidence in Nigeria’s telecoms sector, even as regulators and operators face mounting pressure to close remaining coverage and performance gaps.