The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators to compensate subscribers affected by poor network service, marking a significant shift towards stronger consumer protection in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

The directive, announced on March 29, 2026, requires Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to provide compensation where service quality falls below agreed standards in specific locations.

Why it matters

For years, many Nigerians have complained about dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and inconsistent connectivity.

The NCC says subscribers should not bear the cost of poor service when operators fail to meet Quality of Service (QoS) benchmarks.

Under the new directive, affected users will receive compensation directly from telecom providers.

How compensation will work

The NCC said compensation will be issued as airtime credits.

These credits will be calculated based on users’ average spending patterns and their location in areas where service failures occur.

Operators will also be required to compensate users within specified timeframes after poor service incidents are recorded.

Consumer-first regulation

In a statement signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, the commission said the policy reflects a broader shift toward consumer protection.

“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 added that telecommunications services play a critical role in Nigeria’s economy, social life, and digital access.

Poor service quality, it warned, can affect productivity, business activities, and public trust.

Industry accountability measures

The NCC said it is moving beyond traditional regulatory fines to a more consumer-focused system.

While fines have previously been used to punish operators, the new approach ensures that affected users benefit directly.

The regulator is also mandating tower companies—responsible for telecom infrastructure like masts—to reinvest fines into improving service quality.

Industry and public reactions

Telecom analysts say the directive could reshape the industry.

Experts believe it will push operators to improve infrastructure and reduce network downtime, especially in underserved areas.

However, some industry insiders warn that implementation may be complex, particularly in identifying affected users and calculating fair compensation.

Consumers, meanwhile, have welcomed the move, calling it long overdue.

What’s next

The NCC says it will continue to enforce stricter compliance measures.

Operators are expected to invest more in network resilience, capacity expansion, and infrastructure upgrades.

The commission also plans to deploy additional regulatory tools to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability across the sector.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding broadband access in underserved communities, with a renewed focus on Plateau State as part of efforts to close Nigeria’s digital divide.

The pledge was made during a visit by NCC Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, to Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Jos.

Why it matters

Access to reliable internet remains uneven across Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where connectivity gaps limit opportunities in education, business, and innovation.

The NCC says expanding broadband infrastructure could unlock economic growth, support digital jobs, and improve access to services for millions of Nigerians.

Plateau seen as digital growth hub

The NCC described Plateau as a “strategic partner” in advancing Nigeria’s broadband agenda, citing its strong academic base, youthful population, and growing innovation ecosystem.

This includes local tech hubs like nHub, which has helped nurture startups and digital talent in the region.

Ms Makama said the state’s progress reflects deliberate policy choices.

“The NCC’s recognition of Plateau State is rooted in strategy rather than symbolism,” she said, pointing to reforms such as the Right of Way policy and commitments made during Plateau TechFest.

However, she noted that many rural communities remain disconnected.

“Despite these strengths, many rural local government areas remain underserved and disconnected from the digital economy.”

Bridging the rural connectivity gap

The NCC says tackling this gap will require stronger collaboration between federal regulators and state governments.

Ms Makama highlighted initiatives such as the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), designed to extend telecom services to underserved areas.

“Bridging this connectivity gap is a shared responsibility,” she said, describing the visit as the start of deeper cooperation with the Plateau State Government.

She added that improved connectivity could transform key sectors.

“Expanding connectivity is critical to unlocking opportunities in education, enterprise, and innovation.”

Governor pushes digital transformation agenda

Governor Mutfwang welcomed the NCC’s support, describing the visit as timely.

“This aligns with our declaration of 2025 as the year of digital innovation in Plateau State,” he said.

He stressed the need to move beyond policy discussions to real-world implementation, especially in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

The governor highlighted ongoing partnerships, including collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to establish an innovation hub at Plateau State Polytechnic.

He also revealed a deal with Solitran to accelerate broadband deployment across the state.

Jobs and economic opportunities

A key part of the state’s strategy is job creation through digital platforms.

Governor Mutfwang announced plans for a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) initiative expected to employ at least 500 young people in Jos through remote work.

“There is urgency in executing these initiatives to position Plateau competitively in the digital economy,” he said.

Industry perspective

Experts say improved broadband access could significantly boost Nigeria’s digital economy, particularly in underserved regions.

Better connectivity can enable remote work, digital education, e-commerce, and tech-driven entrepreneurship—areas seen as critical for youth employment.

However, challenges such as infrastructure costs, policy consistency, and power supply remain barriers to full digital inclusion.

What’s next

The NCC and Plateau State Government are expected to deepen collaboration in the coming months, focusing on infrastructure rollout and policy alignment.

Observers say success in Plateau could serve as a model for other states aiming to bridge connectivity gaps.

Nigeria-based fintech firm Moniepoint Inc. has acquired Orda Africa, in a move aimed at transforming how restaurants across Africa manage operations, payments and growth.

The deal brings Orda into Moniepoint’s Moniebook platform, expanding its reach into Africa’s rapidly growing food service industry, valued at about $50bn.

Why it matters

Africa’s restaurant sector is expanding quickly, driven by urbanisation and changing consumer habits.

In Nigeria alone, the market is projected to hit $19.31bn by 2030, growing at nearly 12% annually.

Yet many small food businesses still rely on manual processes, limiting their ability to scale, access credit, or track performance effectively.

This acquisition aims to change that.

What the deal means for restaurants

With Orda now integrated into Moniebook, restaurant owners can manage orders, inventory, payments and bookkeeping in one system.

The platform also opens access to financing and digital tools for growth.

For millions of small food vendors — from roadside “buka” operators to upscale restaurants — the move could reduce operational stress and improve efficiency.

Industry perspective

Speaking on the acquisition, Moniepoint’s co-founder and CEO Tosin Eniolorunda said the food sector plays a critical economic role.

“The food industry isn’t just about feeding people, it’s a major source of jobs and daily survival for many Africans.”

He added:

“Africa’s restaurant sector is one of the continent’s most dynamic economic engines, yet the majority of food businesses still operate with manual processes and fragmented tools.”

“By bringing Orda into Moniepoint, we are giving restaurant owners what they deserve: one simple platform that handles everything from managing their kitchen to growing their business.”

Orda’s position and customer impact

Orda, founded in 2020, focuses on helping small and independent restaurants digitise operations.

Its CEO Guy Futi said the partnership would expand opportunities for users.

“Orda has found the perfect home in Moniepoint.”

“For our customers, we are assuring a smooth transition with no disruption to the platform and retained access to the support you are used to.”

“What changes is your access to opportunities… more tools, more reach, and more ways to grow your business than ever before.”

Background: Moniepoint’s expansion

Founded in 2015, Moniepoint has grown into one of Nigeria’s largest financial service platforms, serving over 20 million users and processing more than $250bn in transactions annually.

The company has expanded beyond payments into banking, credit, and business management tools — targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), especially in the informal sector.

What’s next

The integration is expected to roll out in phases over the coming weeks, with new tools and financial services gradually made available to Orda users.

Analysts say the move could intensify competition in Africa’s fintech and food-tech space, as companies race to serve small businesses with integrated digital solutions.