The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently released its Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports, revealing steady improvements in network quality nationwide, driven by increased industry investment and data-led regulatory oversight.
Speaking during an engagement on the report’s release, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the exercise underscores the Commission’s commitment to transparent, evidence-based regulation and the continuous enhancement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
According to Maida, the reports, produced in collaboration with global network intelligence firm Ookla, provide independent insights into real-world network performance and the actual user experience across urban centres, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones.
“Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians,” Maida said. “It is in this context that we have released the Q4 2025 Network Performance Reports.”
Improved Speeds, Narrowing Urban-Rural Gap
The data shows clear and consistent improvements in network quality, particularly in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas when compared with Q3 2025 performance. The report also indicates that the video Quality of Experience (QoE) gap between urban and rural locations has narrowed, while the country’s 4G backbone continues to strengthen.
Maida noted that the reports enable the NCC to track progress, identify performance gaps, and guide targeted regulatory interventions, including spectrum optimisation, infrastructure upgrades, quality-of-service enforcement, and the expansion of rural connectivity.
Persistent Challenges in 5G and Upload Speeds
Despite the gains, the NCC acknowledged ongoing challenges within the sector. The Q4 2025 reports highlight gaps in 5G service availability and inequalities in upload speeds, alongside persistent mobile service coverage gaps in some areas.
The EVC said the Commission is actively engaging with operators to address these issues, stressing that regulatory actions are being shaped directly by insights from the performance data.
$1bn Investment, 2,850 New Sites Deployed
Maida disclosed that in 2025 alone, over $1 billion in industry investment led to the deployment of more than 2,850 new network sites, significantly expanding coverage and capacity nationwide.
He attributed much of the performance improvement recorded in the Q4 report to these investments.
Looking ahead, the NCC has secured commitments from operators to exceed their 2025 investment levels in 2026, signalling sustained infrastructure expansion across the country.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders as we translate these insights into better connectivity, improved service quality, and a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,” Maida said.
