THE Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says 75 million subscribers have received airtime compensation for poor telecom service in 2026, as the regulator intensifies efforts to compel operators to improve network quality and address consumer complaints.
News Point Nigeria reports that Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, announced the figures on Tuesday at the 95th Telecom Consumer Parliament in Lagos.
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“Under our Consumer Compensation Framework, 75 million subscribers have received airtime compensation for poor service so far in 2026, and we will continue to hold operators to account for the quality of service they provide,” Maida said.
The NCC chief also disclosed that the commission had recorded more than 6,500 network interventions so far in 2026, including upgrades to newer technologies and the addition of capacity in areas experiencing increased network usage.
“The Commission’s records show more than 6,500 network interventions so far in 2026, including upgrades to newer technologies and additional capacity where more people are using the network,” he said.
He said the interventions were expected to translate into improved connectivity for consumers, adding that the commission monitored network performance and required operators to address service deficiencies.
“We therefore monitor performance and require operators to address shortfalls, so that investment translates into better service in the places where you live and work,” Maida said.
He added that telecom operators were also required to explain major network outages, including what had happened and when affected services were expected to be restored.
“When major outages occur, operators must also explain what has happened and when service is expected to return,” he said.
The EVC further disclosed that nearly three million subscribers had received refunds for failed airtime and data purchases in 2026, under a framework designed to address unsuccessful transactions.
“So far in 2026, nearly 3 million subscribers have received refunds for failed airtime and data purchases under the refund framework, and we must keep working to prevent these failures and resolve them quickly when they occur,” he said.
The refund framework was developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), telecom operators and financial service providers to trace failed transactions and ensure that affected subscribers receive their money back promptly.
Maida said the commission was also working to make data charges and usage easier for subscribers to understand, particularly by providing clearer information about consumption and remaining balances.
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“Our forthcoming usage notification guideline will build on this by giving consumers clearer information about their daily data use and remaining balance, with access to a more detailed breakdown,” he said.
He added that the commission’s tariff simplification measures required operators to make their service offers easier for consumers to understand before making purchases.
“You should be able to see the price, the allowance and the validity of a bundle before you pay,” he said.
The NCC chief also disclosed that the commission was working to tackle fraud involving recycled phone numbers through the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS).
According to Maida, the system was designed to help organisations identify recycled telephone numbers and numbers flagged for fraudulent activities, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorised access to accounts and services.
“By helping organisations recognise recycled numbers and numbers flagged for fraud, TIRMS can reduce the risk of someone gaining access to another person’s accounts or services,” he said.
Maida urged subscribers experiencing service-related problems to first contact their service providers and obtain complaint reference numbers before escalating unresolved cases to the NCC through its toll-free line, 622.
Also speaking at the event, Rimini Makama, Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management at the NCC, said the Telecom Consumer Parliament was intended to address recurring complaints about service quality, billing and customer support.
Makama recalled concerns raised by consumers at the 94th edition of the parliament, including poor network quality, unclear billing, failed transactions and delays in receiving assistance when problems occurred.
“At the 94th Parliament, you told us about network quality, billing that wasn’t clear, transactions that failed, and how long it took to get help when something went wrong,” she said.
She said the commission wanted the meeting to produce practical commitments from telecom operators rather than simply provide another opportunity for consumers to list their concerns.
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“My hope is that we leave today with more than a list of concerns. I’d like us to leave with practical commitments, a clear sense of who is responsible for what, and actions consumers will notice,” Makama added.
She further stressed that improving the telecommunications sector required cooperation among the regulator, service providers and consumer groups.
