FG Warns MTN, Airtel, Glo Over Poor Network Service

Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, has warned telecom operators to fix persistent network problems or face sanctions.

The warning targets major operators, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2. Tijani said operators must now improve call quality, data performance and coverage across the country.

Why the Minister Issued the Warning

Tijani said the government has already created better conditions for telecom companies to improve their services.

According to him, operators now work in a more stable and market-driven environment. He also said many of them have returned to profitability.

For that reason, the minister believes telecom companies no longer have enough excuses for poor service.

He said Nigerians must begin to receive better value for the money they spend on calls and data.

NCC Gets Stronger Enforcement Role

Tijani said the Nigerian Communications Commission now has full authority to monitor operators and enforce service standards.

The NCC will track network performance through periodic reports. It will also review public complaints from subscribers.

The minister said the government expects clear improvements in call quality, data speed and network coverage.

Where operators fail, he said the NCC should take appropriate regulatory action.

Government Plans Bigger Digital Infrastructure

The minister also linked the service-quality push to broader infrastructure plans.

He said the government has secured World Bank-led funding for Project BRIDGE. The project will support nationwide open-access fibre infrastructure.

Tijani said fibre deployment will begin before the end of the year. He also pointed to new tower rollouts through NUCAP and plans to expand satellite capacity.

He said the goal is simple. A small business owner should access reliable fibre internet at home or in a shop, instead of depending only on unstable dongles or mobile connections.

Why Nigerians Are Frustrated

Many subscribers still complain about dropped calls, weak signals and slow internet speeds.

These problems affect daily life. They also hurt small businesses, online workers, students, fintech users and digital service providers.

Poor connectivity can delay payments, disrupt online meetings and weaken customer service.

That is why the minister’s warning goes beyond telecom companies. It also speaks to Nigeria’s wider digital economy.

Tariff Increase Raises Expectations

The warning comes after telecom operators received approval for a 50 percent tariff adjustment.

The NCC said operators had invested more than $1 billion in infrastructure after the tariff review. It also said the new pricing model helped reverse years of under-investment in the sector.

With higher tariffs now in place, subscribers expect better service. Many Nigerians will not accept paying more while still facing poor network quality.

Expert View: Why This Warning Matters

Telecom analysts will likely see Tijani’s warning as a shift from policy support to performance pressure.

For years, operators argued that low tariffs, inflation, foreign exchange pressure and rising energy costs limited their ability to invest. The government has now addressed part of that concern through tariff adjustment and infrastructure support.

That changes the conversation.

The next test is delivery. Operators must show that higher revenue can produce better service. They must invest in fibre, towers, backup power and network optimisation.

The NCC must also enforce standards with clear data. Sanctions should not depend on public anger alone. They should follow measurable indicators, such as dropped-call rates, data speed, network congestion and coverage gaps.

For subscribers, the issue is simple. Better pricing for operators must lead to better service for users.

What This Means for Telecom Users

Nigerians may see tighter monitoring of telecom services in the coming months.

Operators that fail to meet required standards could face sanctions. Those that improve may gain stronger public trust.

The real impact will depend on enforcement. If the NCC acts firmly, telecom companies may move faster to fix weak network areas.

But if enforcement remains weak, subscribers may continue to pay more without seeing major service improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Bosun Tijani say about MTN, Airtel and Glo?

He warned that telecom operators must fix network challenges and improve service quality. He said operators that fail to deliver may face regulatory action.

Which telecom operators did the minister mention?

The warning mentioned MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2.

What areas must telecom operators improve?

They must improve call quality, data performance and network coverage.

Who will enforce the service standards?

The Nigerian Communications Commission will monitor operators and enforce compliance.

Why is the government putting pressure on telecom operators now?

The government says operators now have better market conditions and more capacity to invest. It also says recent reforms should support better service delivery.

What is Project BRIDGE?

Project BRIDGE is a planned open-access fibre infrastructure project. It aims to expand reliable broadband access across Nigeria.

Will telecom operators face sanctions immediately?

The report did not give a specific sanction date. But the minister said the NCC should take regulatory action where operators fail to improve.

Why does this matter to Nigerians?

Reliable telecom service supports banking, education, remote work, small businesses and everyday communication. Poor service affects both consumers and the economy.