For millions of Nigerians, network quality is not an abstract metric. Instead, it shows up in dropped calls during work meetings, slow videos that refuse to load, and online payments that hang at the worst possible moment.
It is this everyday experience that sits at the centre of the Nigerian Communications Commission’s newly released Q4 2025 Network Performance Report.
Speaking at a media luncheon in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the report reflects the Commission’s commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation and improving how Nigerians experience connectivity in real life.
“Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians across cities, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones,” Maida said.
The quarterly report, produced in partnership with global network intelligence firm Ookla, relies on independent performance data to assess how mobile networks perform for everyday users.
As a result, the NCC is able to look beyond operator claims and focus on real usage patterns.
According to the Commission, this approach allows regulators to track progress accurately, identify gaps, and design targeted interventions where they matter most.
“These reports enable us to track progress, identify gaps, and guide regulatory actions ranging from spectrum optimisation and infrastructure upgrades to quality-of-service enforcement and the expansion of rural connectivity,” Maida explained.
The full report is available at https://ncc.gov.ng/market-data-reports/industry-performance-reports.
Download Speeds Improve Nationwide
One of the key findings from the Q4 report is a noticeable improvement in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas when compared with Q3 2025.
Importantly, this suggests that recent network upgrades are beginning to reflect in users’ daily experiences.
At the same time, the data shows that the video Quality of Experience gap between urban and rural users has narrowed, pointing to gradual progress in addressing long-standing digital inequalities.
In addition, the strength of Nigeria’s 4G network continued to improve, reinforcing its role as the backbone of the country’s mobile internet usage.
“The data shows clear and steady improvements in network quality, particularly in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas,” Maida noted.
Challenges Remain Despite Progress
However, despite these gains, the NCC acknowledged that challenges persist. The report highlights gaps in 5G availability, inequalities in upload speeds, and remaining mobile service coverage gaps in some parts of the country.
“The industry is not without challenges, as reflected in gaps in 5G services and inequalities in upload speeds,” Maida said, adding that the Commission is actively engaging operators to address these issues, including coverage gaps.
Investment Driving Performance Gains
Meanwhile, the NCC attributed much of the improvement in network performance to increased industry investment.
In 2025 alone, telecom operators invested over one billion dollars, leading to the deployment of more than 2,850 new network sites nationwide to expand coverage and capacity.
“Much of the progress reflected in today’s reports is a direct outcome of these investments,” Maida said.
Looking ahead, the Commission revealed that operators have committed to exceeding their 2025 investment levels in 2026, signalling continued infrastructure rollout and network upgrades.
In their remarks, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr Abraham Oshadami, and the Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, reinforced the NCC’s focus on accountability, public engagement, and evidence-based regulation.
According to the Commission, the quarterly network performance reports are designed to keep stakeholders informed while supporting efforts to improve service quality and expand access nationwide.
“We look forward to continued collaboration with industry stakeholders as we translate these insights into better connectivity and a more inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,” Maida said.
As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow, the Q4 2025 report offers a clearer view of how far the country’s networks have come, and how much work remains to ensure reliable and equitable connectivity for all.
Full report: https://ncc.gov.ng/market-data-reports/industry-performance-reportsrts | NCC
