The Nigerian Communications Commission has directed Mobile Network Operators to compensate subscribers in areas where network quality falls below required standards.
The directive was announced in a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha.
According to the NCC, affected users will receive airtime credits as compensation. The amount will be calculated based on individual spending patterns and whether the subscriber is located in a local government area experiencing service disruptions.
“Subscribers should not be made to bear the full burden of service disruptions where operators fail to meet prescribed standards of service delivery,” the commission said.
It added that the compensation structure is designed to reflect real usage and ensure fairness.
“The compensation will be provided in the form of airtime credits, calculated based on subscribers’ average spending patterns and their presence within local government areas where service failures occur,” the statement noted.
The commission emphasised the critical role of telecom services in everyday life, pointing out that poor network quality affects more than just communication.
“Telecommunications services today underpin economic activity, social interaction, and access to digital opportunities,” the NCC said, warning that poor service can disrupt productivity and weaken public confidence in the system.
The move signals a stronger regulatory stance, placing more responsibility on telecom operators to maintain service quality and protect consumers from prolonged disruptions.
