NCC approves October 1 Go-Live for Zero-rated educational platforms

L-R: Chairman Governing Board, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Chief Idris Olorunnimbe; Hon Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa; Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; Chairman Governing Board, National Universities Commission, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, during the Zero-Rated Access Launch, at The Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, recently

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) have deployed 8,526 out of the 12,179 network coverage and capacity sites they committed to deploy across the country.

The figure represents approximately 70 per cent of the operators’ commitments and marks significant progress from the about 5,000 sites reported at the Commission’s previous board meeting.

The NCC disclosed this in a communiqué issued at the end of its 110th Board Meeting.

The Board, while reviewing updates on strategic priorities, operational performance and developments in the telecommunications market, noted that the expansion was aimed at improving network coverage, capacity and quality of experience for telecommunications consumers.

However, the Board expressed concern over the impact of fibre cuts on network reliability, noting that the incidents contributed to a sharp increase in network disruptions in June.

It therefore stressed that infrastructure expansion must be accompanied by stronger protection of critical communications infrastructure, as well as sustained efforts to improve network resilience and service reliability.

NCC strengthens digital trust

The Board also reviewed the Commission’s deployment of technology platforms designed to strengthen trust, security and integrity within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem and the wider digital economy.

It noted that the Device Management System (DMS) is now live and is supporting improved compliance with type-approval requirements through technology.

According to the Board, the system will enhance the Commission’s ability to verify compliant devices, discourage the circulation of non-compliant devices and support measures to combat mobile device theft.

The DMS will also enable reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian telecommunications networks.

The Board further disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), alongside its associated business rules, is scheduled to go live in October 2026.

TIRMS is expected to strengthen the governance of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, while reducing risks associated with the misuse, reassignment and recycling of telecommunications identities.

The Commission said the initiative is particularly important because mobile numbers are increasingly linked to financial, social and other digital services.

The Board, however, emphasised that the deployment of the regulatory technology platforms must protect consumers, support lawful digital services and strengthen market integrity while complying with applicable legal, privacy and data protection requirements.

Zero-rated educational platforms

The NCC Board also reviewed progress on the Commission’s initiative to zero-rate educational platforms and content in Nigeria.
The initiative is designed to promote digital inclusion and improve students’ access to educational resources.

The Board commended the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders for their collaboration in developing the framework.

It noted that the initiative was scheduled for official launch on September 10, 2026, with the go-live date fixed for October 1, 2026.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the sustainable implementation of the programme.

NCC considers Digital Bridge Institute repositioning

The Board also considered proposals for the strategic repositioning of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), including the development of a roadmap to strengthen the institute’s relevance and long-term sustainability.

It noted a proposed phased approach to the repositioning exercise and plans to engage two independent consultancies.

The first consultancy is expected to conduct a comprehensive audit of DBI’s structure, operations, human resources and institutional position.

The second consultancy will assess the commercial and legal viability of the proposed repositioning initiative.

Commission declares zero tolerance for call masking

Meanwhile, the Board expressed concern over the resurgence of call masking activities in the telecommunications industry.

It reiterated the Commission’s zero-tolerance position on call masking, describing the practice as unacceptable and a serious regulatory concern.

According to the Board, call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and constitutes an act of economic sabotage capable of adversely affecting the national economy.

The Commission said it would continue to collaborate with relevant security and law-enforcement agencies, as well as telecommunications industry stakeholders, to identify, prevent and eliminate call masking activities.

The Board concluded the meeting by reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to transparency, network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection, fair competition and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

This version is structured to give the network expansion figure the strongest news angle, while retaining the other major resolutions as supporting developments.