The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stepped up efforts to strengthen security, transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry through the deployment of new technology-driven regulatory systems.

The commission announced the development in a communiqué issued after its 110th Board meeting held recently in Abuja, where members reviewed the performance of the sector, regulatory priorities and emerging challenges confronting the telecommunications ecosystem.

At the meeting, the board received an update from the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, on the commission’s strategic priorities and operational performance, while also considering a number of regulatory and industry issues.

One of the major developments highlighted was the activation of the Device Management System (DMS), a platform designed to improve the monitoring and compliance of mobile devices operating on Nigerian networks.

According to the commission, the DMS is already operational and is helping to strengthen compliance with type approval requirements.

The system is expected to make it easier for regulators to identify devices that do not meet approved standards and prevent such products from circulating within the Nigerian market.

Beyond compliance, the platform is also expected to contribute to the fight against mobile phone theft. The NCC said reported stolen devices can be identified and blocked across Nigerian networks, potentially making stolen phones less useful to criminals and more difficult to resell or operate.

Another major regulatory technology initiative highlighted by the board is the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), which is scheduled to become operational in October 2026.

The system is designed to strengthen the management of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce the risks associated with the misuse, reassignment and recycling of phone numbers.

The NCC noted that the issue has become increasingly important because mobile numbers are now closely connected to financial accounts, social media platforms and numerous other digital services.

The commission said the new systems would be implemented with due regard to consumer protection, lawful digital services, market integrity, privacy and applicable data protection regulations.

Meanwhile, the NCC reported significant progress in the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.

It said 8,526 out of 12,179 committed coverage and capacity sites had been deployed nationwide, representing approximately 70 per cent completion.

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The figure marks a substantial increase from the roughly 5,000 sites reported at the commission’s previous board meeting, indicating an acceleration in efforts to expand network coverage and capacity.

The board also reviewed plans to improve digital access to education through the proposed zero-rating of educational platforms and content.

The initiative, which is being developed in collaboration with industry operators, the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders, is aimed at making educational resources more accessible to Nigerian students by reducing or eliminating data costs associated with selected platforms.

The board commended the stakeholders involved and noted that the programme is expected to be officially launched in September, with its go-live date scheduled for October 1, 2026.

The meeting also examined plans to reposition the NCC’s Digital Bridge Institute (DBI), with the board considering recommendations for developing a strategic roadmap capable of strengthening the institute’s relevance, effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

However, the board expressed serious concern over the reported resurgence of call masking within the telecommunications industry.

Call masking, according to the commission, poses risks to the integrity and security of Nigeria’s telecommunications system while also affecting legitimate operators and distorting industry revenues.

The NCC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards the practice, describing it as unacceptable and a serious regulatory violation.

The commission warned that call masking could undermine legitimate telecommunications operations and deprive the industry and government of expected revenue. It further described the practice as a form of economic sabotage with potential consequences for the wider Nigerian economy.

To tackle the problem, the NCC board resolved to work with security and law-enforcement agencies, telecommunications operators and other industry stakeholders to identify those involved in call masking and eliminate the practice.

The latest measures reflect the commission’s broader push to use technology not only to expand connectivity but also to strengthen accountability, protect consumers and secure Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem.

With millions of Nigerians increasingly relying on mobile devices and digital platforms for banking, education, business and social interaction, the NCC said stronger regulatory technology would be essential to ensuring that the country’s telecommunications infrastructure remains secure, reliable and trusted.