Nigerian telecom industry rebounds from forex crisis with increased investments, improved service delivery, and renewed growth, says NCC boss Aminu Maida
Nigerian telecom industry recovers strongly following a two-year period of economic strain caused by the country’s foreign exchange crisis.
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The sector, once burdened by massive forex obligations and declining service quality, is now charting a new course towards stability, profitability, and national economic contribution.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, made this revelation during a media session held in Abuja.
Represented by the acting Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, Maida highlighted the resilience of the telecom industry and its role in bolstering the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
He disclosed that operators, once beleaguered by currency exchange losses despite rising revenues, have regained profitability through a recent tariff adjustment.
“About two years ago, we noticed a situation where some of our key operators were recording massive losses,” he said.
“Despite increasing revenues, they were struggling with heavy forex-related obligations… This led to poor quality of service.”
With the introduction of revised tariffs, telecom firms are now reinvesting in infrastructure. According to Maida, this is expected to significantly improve service delivery and the overall customer experience.
He added that investments in the sector this year are set to surpass those recorded over the past two years.
The NCC boss assured Nigerians of a noticeable improvement in the quality of telecom services in the months ahead.
He said the industry is better positioned for expansion and now plays an even more crucial role in economic development, national security, and social welfare.
However, Maida also drew attention to persistent challenges such as fibre cuts, vandalism, and issues surrounding Rights of Way.
He cited an alarming 147 fibre cut incidents reported in a single week in May 2025. In response, the Commission is collaborating with the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Federal Ministry of Works to address RoW conflicts, with a formal agreement soon to be signed to protect telecom infrastructure during road projects.
In a move to deter further sabotage, Maida disclosed that the NCC will begin naming and shaming individuals responsible for fibre vandalism.
The agency is working closely with the Attorney General’s office and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to ensure arrests and prosecutions are carried out.
On consumer protection, Maida clarified concerns around telecom service charges, including the widely debated N6.98 USSD fee.
He explained that the rate is based on a detailed cost study to ensure fairness and transparency. “The NCC is committed to ensuring that telecom rates are cost-oriented and justifiable,” he affirmed.
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With new investments flowing in and regulatory reforms in place, the Nigerian telecom industry appears poised not only to recover fully but to lead in driving digital transformation across the country.
