Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has removed over 450 illegal signal boosters deployed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
NCC
Illegal signal boosters (also known as unauthorized, non-compliant, or rogue repeaters) are devices designed to amplify weak cell phone signals but are prohibited for use because they interfere with legitimate mobile network infrastructure, causing disruptions for others.
The NCC has also approved spectrum reassignments, socalled egulatory process of taking radio frequency spectrum that was previously assigned to one type of service or user and reallocating it for another, usually to support new technologies or more efficient usage.
All these are part of measures to improve telephone services in the country.
The NCC said its enforcement teams removed the illegal signal boosters across the FCT, noting that the devices degrade network quality in surrounding areas.
“Subsequent analysis indicates localised improvements in service quality, supported by crowd-sourced data, operator performance metrics and a decline in related consumer complaints.
“At least 70 network sites recorded measurable performance gains following booster removal. Engagements are ongoing with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to prevent further importation of the devices,” the NCC stated.
The telecom regulator said to enhance spectrum efficiency and service delivery, it approved a series of spectrum trades and reassignments, including the reallocation of approximately 50 MHz of previously underutilised spectrum for immediate network expansion.
These measures, it said, have resulted in demonstrable improvements in network performance, as reflected in independent monthly reports since September 2025.
“In particular, the reassignment of an additional contiguous 10 MHz to Globacom contributed to an increase in its average 4G download speeds from 9.5 Mbps to approximately 15 Mbps by November/December 2025.
In terms of telecom infrastructure protection, NCC revealed that the ongoing operationalisation of the CNII Executive Order.
The Commission said it has adopted a structured, multi-layered approach to the implementation of the CNIL Executive Order within the telecommunications sector.
“This includes enforcing minimum compliance standards for infrastructure deployment, conducting nationwide public awareness campaigns, strengthening stakeholder collaboration, institutionalising mediation as a dispute resolution mechanism, and retaining enforcement as a necessary tool where required.
“In collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Commission has convened engagements with the National Assembly, Judiciary, Federal Ministry of Works, State Attorneys-General, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, with plans to extend collaboration to State Ministries of Works,” it stated.
The Commission claimed that its mediation approach has led to successful interventions already recorded in Kogi, Bauchi, and Osun States.
The telecom regulator said it is currently collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Failed Airtime/Data Top-Ups and Consumer Refunds.
The NCC stressed that it’s working jointly with the Central Bank of Nigeria, mobile network operators and financial service providers to address issues relating to failed airtime and data recharge transactions.
“Through this collaborative framework, mechanisms for transaction tracing, dispute resolution, and timely consumer refunds are being formalised. The initiative has already facilitated refunds exceeding N10 billion to affected consumers, contributing to enhanced confidence in digital payment channels,” it stated.
The NCC said, in collaboration with a joint industry committee, it continued to implement the Smarter Data Management Consumer Awareness Campaign.
The Commission said the campaign focuses on promoting efficient data usage, conservation practices, and behavioural adjustments aimed at reducing passive data consumption linked to increasing network speeds and device capabilities.
“Since inception, the campaign has coincided with a noticeable reduction in data depletion-related complaints and will remain active through 2026. Campaign materials are disseminated across multiple media platforms and in major languages spoken nationwide,” it stated.
The NCC informed that to further strengthen spectrum optimisation, service quality, and long-term network planning, the Commission has developed Nigeria’s first structured Spectrum Roadmap for the communications sector.
Through the roadmap, the NCC said it sets out strategic direction on spectrum utilisation, future assignments, refarming initiatives and flexible access models to support expanding connectivity, emerging technologies and improved consumer experience. It will also enhance the Commission’s capacity to proactively monitor utilisation, address persistent underuse, and implement targeted regulatory interventions.
According to it, public consultation on the draft has been concluded, and approval and issuance are expected following the next meeting of the Commission’s board.
