The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered telecommunications operators to compensate subscribers for poor network service through direct airtime credits.

This decisive action is part of a strengthened regulatory framework nationwide, which targets persistent lapses in network performance that have long frustrated Nigerian users.

The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, unveiled the strategy during a media breakfast meeting in Lagos on Thursday.

Maida clarified that the directive isn’t a government rebate, but a “compliance obligation” that operators must shoulder. The compensation covers verified service failures that occurred between November 2025 and January 2026 across various network providers.

“Eligible subscribers will receive airtime credits with notifications explaining the cause and value of the compensation,” Maida stated, emphasising the commission’s commitment to transparency and user understanding.

The foundation of this new enforcement power is a significantly upgraded monitoring system. Instead of relying on generalised industry averages, the NCC can now pinpoint network failures at a highly granular, Local Government level in real-time. This precision ensures that enforcement actions accurately reflect the actual user experience in specific areas, moving regulatory capability beyond general complaints to measurable data.

Maida warned operators that continued non-compliance could lead to stricter sanctions. While the NCC provides oversight and performs independent checks to confirm subscribers are credited, the responsibility for executing the compensation rests entirely with the service providers.

This mandate signals a fundamental shift in regulatory stance toward zero tolerance for persistent poor service quality. The broader reforms aim to hold operators accountable, insisting they deliver “value for money” and maintain high standards across all regions, including underserved rural areas.

The EVC however, reiterated the need for sustained infrastructure investment alongside stronger operational discipline by telecom companies. “Persistent poor service quality is no longer acceptable,” he warned. “Operators must take responsibility for the quality of experience delivered to subscribers.”