NCC’s New Directive: Telecoms Must Alert Nigerians on Outages or Face Penalties
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has mandated telecom operators to immediately notify consumers of major network outages via media channels, including details on causes, affected areas, and restoration timelines. The directive, announced Sunday, also requires firms to issue compensation for outages lasting over 24 hours and launches a public portal to expose infrastructure vandals.
Key Requirements: Alerts, Compensation, and Transparency
- Advance Notice: Operators must warn consumers one week ahead of planned outages (e.g., maintenance).
- Real-Time Updates: Unplanned outages (e.g., fibre cuts, vandalism) require immediate public alerts.
- Compensation: Subscribers get validity extensions for outages exceeding 24 hours, per the Consumer Code of Practice.
- Public Shaming: NCC’s new Major Outage Reporting Portal will name entities responsible for disruptions.
What Qualifies as a ‘Major Outage’?
The NCC defines major outages as:
- Impact: Affects 5%+ of subscribers or 5+ Local Government Areas (LGAs).
- Infrastructure Failures: Fibre cuts, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters disrupting 100+ sites or 1 cluster for 30+ minutes.
- Traffic Hotspots: Outages degrading service in top 10 high-traffic states.
NCC’s Stance: ‘Accountability is Non-Negotiable’
Edoyemi Ogor, NCC’s Director of Technical Standards, stated:
“This directive entrenches transparency. By exposing culprits and compensating users, we’re safeguarding telecoms as Critical National Infrastructure under President Tinubu’s Executive Order.”
Why the Crackdown?
- Recurrent Disruptions: Outages cost Nigeria’s economy ₦25 billion daily (2024 estimates).
- Security Risks: Vandalism of fibre cables and towers threatens national security.
- Consumer Fury: Over 72% of Nigerians cite poor network quality as a top grievance (NBS 2024).
Operators React: Mixed Responses
- MTN/Glo/Airtel: Yet to comment, but insiders cite “logistical hurdles” in rural outage reporting.
- ISPs: Welcome compensation rules but seek clarity on penalty thresholds.
- Public Backing:
- “Finally, NCC is holding telcos accountable!” – @TechConsumerNG on X.
- “Will they enforce this or it’s another paper law?” – @NaijaSceptic.
Tinubu’s CNII Order: Protecting Telecom Infrastructure
The directive aligns with President Tinubu’s 2023 Executive Order designating telecom assets as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), requiring:
- Enhanced Security: Armed protection for towers, fibre routes.
- Stiffer Penalties: Life imprisonment for vandalism under the Cybercrime Act.
- Inter-Agency Collaboration: NCC, NSA, and police to prosecute offenders.
Join the Conversation!
Will NCC’s outage mandate improve your network experience, or is compensation too little? Share your thoughts!
[CTA]: “Subscribe for updates on telecom policies, outage alerts, and consumer rights in Nigeria.”
Why This Matters:
With 159 million mobile users reliant on telecoms for banking, education, and healthcare, NCC’s move could redefine service standards—if enforced.
About the author
Conseil des ministres au Burkina Faso : session présidée par Ibrahim Traoré à Ouagadougou
Le Conseil des ministres du Burkina Faso s’est réuni à Ouagadougou le jeudi 12 mars 2026 pour une séance ordinaire présidée par Ibrahim Traoré, Président du Faso et Président du Conseil des ministres. La réunion s’est tenue de 09 h 00 à 11 h 01 et a permis d’examiner plusieurs dossiers inscrits à l’ordre du jour. Principaux points abordés Au cours de cette séance, le Conseil des ministres a : délibéré sur plusieurs dossiers relatifs à la gestion des affaires de l’État ; entendu une communication orale portant sur des questions d’intérêt national ; procédé à des nominations dans l’administration publique ; autorisé certaines missions officielles à l’étranger. Cette session s’inscrit dans le cadre des réunions ordinaires du gouvernement visant à assurer la conduite des politiques publiques, la coordination de l’action gouvernementale et le suivi des décisions de l’exécutif. Le […]
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong Thanks Mahama for Appointment as Fire Service Chief
Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, the Chief Fire Officer and Director-General of the Ghana National Fire Service, has expressed deep appreciation to John Dramani Mahama for appointing her to lead the service. Speaking in an interview on Dwaso Nsem on Adom FM, Madam Ntow Sarpong also extended her gratitude to Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and the governing National Democratic Congress for the confidence placed in her leadership. “I want to use this opportunity to thank President Mahama, Vice President Prof. Jane Naana, and the entire NDC government for the confidence reposed in me and for honouring me with this leadership role,” she said. Commitment to Serve The Fire Chief pledged to meet the expectations attached to the position, assuring both government and the public of her dedication to the role. “I pledge to fulfil my mandate and discharge my duties […]
No Ghanaian Casualties in Middle East Tensions – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that no Ghanaian has been killed or injured following the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, as government steps up efforts to protect its citizens in the region. In a Facebook update on Tuesday, March 3, the Minister revealed that he convened a virtual meeting with Ghana’s Ambassadors and Consuls General across the Middle East to assess the situation and coordinate further consular interventions. “This evening, I convened a virtual meeting with our Ambassadors and Consuls General in the Middle East to assess the latest developments and explore further consular interventions towards the protection of Ghanaians,” he stated. Diplomatic Coordination Across the Region Heads of Mission from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Iran and Turkey participated in the discussions. “I am glad to report that so far no Ghanaian […]
IET-GH Marks World Engineering Day, Highlights Engineers’ Role in Ghana’s Development
The Institution of Engineering and Technology Ghana has joined the global engineering community in marking World Engineering Day for Sustainable Development, observed annually on March 4 and endorsed by UNESCO. In a statement issued to commemorate the day, the Institution highlighted the central role engineers play in Ghana’s development. It noted that engineering remains vital to infrastructure delivery, environmental protection, industrial growth, and technological progress. Engineering at the Heart of National Development According to IET-GH, Ghanaian engineers are providing practical solutions to major national challenges, including climate change, sanitation, energy transition, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable urban development. The Institution reaffirmed its commitment to ethical standards, innovation, and professional excellence, stressing that the country’s long-term growth will depend heavily on the expertise, creativity, and integrity of its engineers. It also encouraged young people to consider careers in engineering, describing the profession […]
Ga Traditional Council Summons KOKA Over Comments About COCOBOD CEO
The Ga Traditional Council has summoned entertainment critic Kwaku Osei Korankye Asiedu, popularly known as KOKA, over comments he allegedly made on social media concerning the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Randey Abbey. In a formal letter, the Council directed KOKA to appear before Ga chiefs and priests at the Ga Mantse Palace on Thursday, March 5, 2026. The traditional authorities stressed the importance of his presence, urging him to treat the invitation with urgency and seriousness. “Your presence is respectfully requested to address the matter and offer any necessary explanations. Kindly treat this invitation with the seriousness it deserves,” the letter stated. The correspondence was signed by the Secretary of the Court of Priests of Ga, acting on behalf of the Chief Priest of the Ga Traditional Area.
Ghana to Declare 21 Marine Protected Areas Starting at Greater Cape Three Points
Ghana is preparing to declare 21 coastal communities as Marine Protected Areas in a major step toward restoring marine biodiversity and strengthening fisheries management. The first declaration is expected to take place at Greater Cape Three Points in the Western Region. Once designated, fishing activities within the protected zones will be restricted to allow depleted fish stocks to recover. Part of the Global 30×30 Target The move forms part of Ghana’s commitment to the global 30×30 target, which calls for the protection of at least 30 percent of the world’s land and ocean areas by 2030. The goal falls under Target 3 of the Global Biodiversity Framework and has been adopted by more than 190 countries. Despite the widespread commitment, progress remains slow. Since 2022, global reviews show that only about 2.9 percent of the ocean is fully or highly […]
Related
CDS COAS DG NEMA relocate to Maiduguri after Tinubu directive
Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu and Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency have relocated to Maiduguri, Borno State, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive . The move comes in response to a recent surge in Boko Haram and ISWAP attacks and bombings in Borno, including deadly explosions in Maiduguri, the state capital . Tinubu had ordered all service chiefs and heads of key security agencies to move to Maiduguri to coordinate intensified operations aimed at quickly restoring security and public confidence in the North East . On Wednesday, Oluyede and Shaibu arrived at the Maiduguri Air Force Base, where they were received by the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and other senior officers . The service chiefs later proceeded […]
Tinubu and First Lady receive royal welcome as UK state visit opens
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun his historic state visit to the United Kingdom with a ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, where he was received by King Charles III . This is the first state visit by a Nigerian leader to the UK in 37 years, marking a significant milestone in relations between both countries . Tinubu, accompanied by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, was honoured with a 42 gun salute by the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery as part of the formal arrival ceremonies . Earlier, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, welcomed the Nigerian First Family and escorted them to meet King Charles and Queen Camilla at the historic royal residence . The two day visit will see the King host the president and his wife at Windsor Castle, with activities including an exchange of official gifts and […]
NAF strikes Borno terrorist hideouts after failed attacks
The Nigerian Air Force has carried out precision airstrikes on terrorist hideouts in Abirma, Borno State, destroying several structures and neutralising many fighters along the southern axis of the Lake Chad region . NAF spokesperson Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said the strikes were launched on Tuesday, March 17, after intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance confirmed the presence of terrorists in the settlement . He explained that follow up aerial surveillance spotted insurgent movements around concealed structures hidden under thick vegetation, a tactic the terrorists often use to avoid detection . Once the targets were positively identified and verified in line with NAF’s operational procedures, air assets executed precision strikes on the locations . According to Ejodame, the strikes destroyed multiple terrorist structures and disrupted their activities, with preliminary battle damage assessment indicating that their capacity to use the area as a […]
Tinubu sets March 31 exit deadline for appointees eyeing 2027 polls
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given ministers and other presidential appointees nursing political ambitions until March 31, 2026, to resign from their positions . The directive was issued through a circular from the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and is aimed at creating a level playing field ahead of next year’s general election . According to the statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the OSGF, Nengak Goshit, the order is to ensure compliance with the Electoral Act 2026 and the timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission for party primaries . INEC’s timetable stipulates that primaries to select candidates for the January and February 2027 elections must be held between April 23 and May 30, after which parties will submit their candidate lists and electronic registers of members . […]
Will more defence funds make Nigeria safer
Nigeria has spent about 32.88 trillion naira on defence in the last 15 years, roughly 12.5 percent of total national budgets of 262.834 trillion naira in that period, yet insecurity remains widespread across the country . Despite these rising allocations, many communities still face insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal clashes and oil related violence, raising doubts about whether more money alone can make Nigerians safer . Security trackers estimate that over 100,000 people have been killed in violent incidents since 2012, with thousands abducted and about 3.726 million citizens displaced and living in roughly 3,900 camps nationwide . The trend has continued into 2026, with at least 1,091 deaths recorded from violent attacks in just the first 41 days of the year, underscoring the scale of Nigeria’s security crisis despite years of increased defence spending . Against this backdrop, the National […]
Witness details Malami wife hotel account transfers
The trial of former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on alleged money laundering charges resumed on Monday at the Federal High Court in Abuja with fresh testimony on how funds were moved through a hotel account linked to his wife . A prosecution witness, Daniel Simon Kwayil, a bank compliance officer, told the court that large sums were repeatedly transferred from the account of Meethaq Hotels Limited, where Malami’s wife, Asabe Rakiya Bashir, is the sole signatory, to the former minister and his law firm . Kwayil, testifying as the second prosecution witness, identified Malami’s wife in the dock and confirmed that the hotel’s account profile and board resolution listed her as the only signatory, with her identification documents attached to the account opening file . Malami, who served as Justice Minister from November […]