The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says 75 million subscribers received airtime compensation for poor network service in 2026, while nearly three million others obtained refunds for failed airtime and data transactions.
The commission’s Executive Vice-Chairman, Aminu Maida, disclosed this on Tuesday, October 20, at the 95th Telecom Consumer Parliament in Lagos.
Maida said the NCC had recorded more than 6,500 network interventions this year, including technology upgrades and capacity expansion in areas experiencing increased demand.
He said operators would be required to address service deficiencies, explain major network outages and communicate expected restoration times to affected customers.
On failed transactions, Maida said the NCC was working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), telecom operators and financial service providers to ensure unsuccessful airtime and data purchases were traced and refunded promptly.
The commission is also developing guidelines to help subscribers monitor data consumption, check remaining balances and access detailed usage records. Maida said operators must clearly display bundle prices, data allowances and validity periods before payment.
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He also highlighted the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), designed to help organisations identify recycled telephone numbers and numbers flagged for suspected fraud, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to accounts.
Subscribers with network or billing complaints were advised to contact their service providers first and retain complaint reference numbers. Unresolved cases can be escalated to the NCC through its toll-free line, 622.
The commission’s Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the consumer parliament addressed recurring complaints about poor connectivity, unclear billing, failed transactions and delayed customer support.
She urged operators to make concrete commitments and deliver measurable improvements.
The compensation scheme followed an NCC directive issued in March 2026 and implemented from April. It provides automatic airtime credits to eligible subscribers in affected locations where operators breach prescribed service-quality standards.
The NCC reported in June that more than 75 million subscribers had benefited from the scheme. The latest disclosure comes as the regulator pursues further measures to improve network performance, resolve failed transactions and strengthen consumer protection.