No Comment: NCC Silent As E-Transmission Debate Heats Up

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has opted to remain neutral in the ongoing debate over the feasibility of electronically transmitting election results.

According to Ireporter Online, the commission has refrained from taking a position despite a growing exchange of criticisms between the Senate and telecommunications operators over the state of the nation’s telecom infrastructure.

A senior NCC official, who requested anonymity, emphasized that the commission would not be drawn into political controversies. “These are political times and you can expect political statements. We are apolitical. But between you and I, the telcos have made enough investments that can get the country to do many things better than other countries we are emulating,” the official stated.

Industry data reveal that Nigeria’s telecom sector has recorded notable progress since 2021, driven by private-sector investments and government initiatives such as network optimization and base station deployment. Leading operators, including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, have expanded their networks significantly. MTN reportedly invested ₦565.7 billion in the first half of 2025 to support fibre-to-the-home expansion, rural connectivity, and network densification, while Airtel activated approximately 2,300 new telecom sites in the first quarter of the year.

Broadband penetration in the country has surpassed 50 per cent, with more than 109.6 million subscriptions recorded by December 2025, up from 96.3 million in 2024. The Federal Government has set a target of achieving 80 per cent national connectivity by 2027.

The sector’s growth has been reinforced by initiatives such as Project Bridge, which aims to expand fibre-optic infrastructure from 35,000 kilometres to 125,000 kilometres, and the 774 Local Government Connectivity Programme, designed to enhance telemedicine, e-education, and fintech services nationwide. Industry players are also integrating satellite broadband with the national fibre backbone to extend coverage to underserved areas.

Telecom operators reported collective investments exceeding $1 billion in 2025, directed toward fibre rollouts, new base stations, and 4G and 5G network upgrades, with further investments planned for the current year.

Operators argue that lawmakers should focus on policy reforms rather than questioning infrastructure adequacy. They highlighted persistent fibre cuts, vandalism, and power disruptions as factors that compromise service quality, inflate operational costs, and hinder network expansion.

The industry also called for stronger enforcement of the critical national infrastructure status granted to telecom facilities, alongside government action to tackle regulatory fragmentation, multiple levies, high right-of-way charges, and inconsistent policies, which they say increase costs and discourage further investment.