NCC: Telecom operators deployed 2,800 new and upgraded towers in 2025

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had revealed that Nigerian telecom operators rolled out 2,800 towers in 2025. The move represents the continued push to strengthen network coverage and internet penetration nationwide. 

In a new year address, the commission’s Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Aminu Maida, noted that the development is part of the investment strategy for network expansion and improved everyday service for millions of Nigerian subscribers. He pointed out that the improvement aligns with the push for a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.

The 2,800 towers comprise both new and upgraded infrastructures deployed to enhance the digital backbone and support a reliable network service.

For telecom operators, the rollout comes at a time when they are under growing pressure to improve service quality. The expectation was initially triggered following the approval of the 50% telecoms tariff adjustment in January 2025. 

The development also comes amid users’ continued reports of slow speeds, dropped calls and outages across various networks. The deployment of new sites and infrastructure elevation is an attempt to ease pressure on existing towers and improve their service delivery for better performance.

Dr Aminu Maida, NCC’s EVC

The NCC boss acknowledged that the upgrade has led to improvements in the Nigerian telecoms industry. Broadband subscribers grew by 6% from around 96.3 million to more than 109.6 million between December 2024 and December 2025. During the period, broadband penetration surged from 44.43% to 50.58%, crossing the halfway mark for the first time.

“Our commitment to a healthy communications sector also means ensuring that services deliver fair value, while the market remains commercially viable for continued investment and expansion,” he said in the statement.

Beyond 2025, the upgrade is expected to further boost broadband penetration, reduce network congestion, and support digital services in major sectors such as finance, education, and agriculture. It also aligns with long-standing national plans to deepen 4G and 5G deployment while preparing for future investments. 

Also Read: Nigerian telecoms suffered 118 network outages in December 2025.

Nigerian telecoms: Additional infrastructure upgrade awaits 

In its continued push for increased network experience, the NCC Boss noted that the Project Bridge (90,000km fibre deployment) championed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, will promote broadband service nationwide. 

In addition, Dr Aminu explained that the commission and stakeholders will deepen the expansion of coverage, especially for underserved and unserved communities. He noted that this will be delivered by aligning with clear rules and monitoring strategies. 

As part of the infrastructure deployment, the Federal Executive Council recently approved the nationwide deployment of 4,000 new telecom towers. The decision marked one of the largest infrastructure pushes aimed at closing the digital divide and supporting economic growth through improved connectivity.

The expanded infrastructure is expected to improve productivity for small businesses, support the growth of tech start-ups, and open new opportunities in underserved regions.

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