NCC Orders Telcos to Compensate Consumers with Airtime

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida, has ordered telecommunications companies to compensate consumers with airtime due to persistent lapses in network performance. This directive was disclosed during a media breakfast meeting on Thursday.

The NCC's compliance enforcement strategy aims to ensure that telecom operators meet established minimum quality service standards. The compensation will specifically cover service failures recorded between November 2025 and January 2026, affecting multiple network providers.

Eligible subscribers will receive airtime credits and notifications explaining the reasons for the compensation. Dr. Maida emphasized the NCC's commitment to strengthening its monitoring systems to capture real-time service performance data, ensuring that enforcement reflects actual user experiences.

The commission will oversee compliance and conduct independent checks to confirm proper crediting of affected subscribers. Non-compliance will lead to stricter enforcement measures.

This initiative is part of broader reforms to improve service standards in the telecommunications sector, with a focus on maintaining performance consistency across regions, including underserved rural areas.