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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has taken a tough stance against telecom companies, known as Telcos, warning them that they will be held responsible for poor services, as the regulator's patience is wearing thin due to numerous complaints from subscribers over the past few weeks.

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A surprise visit was made by the commission to the network facilities of major telecom companies in Lagos on Wednesday, to assess the level of investments made by the telcos, amidst allegations of faltering networks and subscriber complaints.

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The visit was reportedly sparked by a series of complaints received by the commission from subscribers, which led to a directive being issued to the telcos to pay compensation to affected subscribers or face the Commission's wrath.

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In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, the Commission emphasized that subscribers should not bear the full burden of service disruptions when operators fail to meet prescribed standards of service delivery.

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Under the directive, erring operators will be required to compensate affected users directly for breaches of Quality of Service Key Performance Indicators, with compensation provided in the form of airtime credits, calculated based on subscribers' average spending patterns.

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The Commission's regulatory philosophy prioritizes the consumer, recognizing the crucial role telecommunications services play in economic activity, social interaction, and access to digital opportunities, and the consequences of poor service quality on productivity, commercial activities, and public confidence.

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The telcos, represented by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, have pushed back against the commission's decision, questioning the methodology behind the pronouncement and seeking clarification on the directive.

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President of ALTON, Engr Gbenga Adebayo, noted that while the telcos want to comply with the Commission's directives, they are obligated to ask questions where issues are not clear, and are engaging the regulator to clear up gray areas.

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A team led by the Chairman of the board, Dr Idris Olorunnimbe, and the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, visited the facilities of MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and a data centre, Open Access Data Centre OADC, on Wednesday, to assess the level of investments and infrastructure.

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During the visit, Olorunnimbe and Maida expressed their determination to hold the telcos accountable for poor services, with Olorunnimbe stating that the commission has received many complaints about poor services and disappearing data.

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MTN Nigeria's Chief Operating Officer, Ayham Moussa, commended the team's visit, saying it would help strengthen relationships and acknowledging that operators are not perfect but are trying their best to provide good services.

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The same scenario played out at Airtel, Globacom, and Open Access Data Centre, OADC, with the telcos reeling out innovative services and solutions introduced to the industry.

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After the tour, Dr Maida expressed his impression with the level of investment and infrastructure, but appealed to Nigerians to be patient as these investments mature to address infrastructure deficits and improve service delivery.

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Board Chairman Olorunnimbe corroborated Maida's statement, saying the overwhelming feeling is pride in what has been achieved, and committing the Commission's support to ensure stakeholders receive the backing they need to thrive and grow.

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ALTON Chairman, Engr Gbenga Adebayo, thanked the NCC team for the visit, saying it was an opportunity to showcase the industry's progress and address key sustainability challenges.

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The visit ended on a convivial note, but it is clear that the commission is serious about addressing subscribers' complaints and will not hesitate to take action if necessary, as evident from Olorunnimbe's joking comment about looking forward to an Easter free from dropped calls.