NCC Orders Airtel, MTN to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service

Relief is gradually reaching telecom users across Nigeria as major network operators have begun issuing airtime compensation to subscribers affected by poor service quality, following a regulatory directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The development stems from the NCC’s order requiring operators to compensate customers for failing to meet approved Quality of Service (QoS) standards between November 2025 and January 2026.

One of Nigeria’s largest operators, Airtel Nigeria, has started notifying eligible subscribers via SMS. The company, which reportedly serves over 63 million users nationwide, informed customers that airtime credits had been applied as compensation for service disruptions during the review period. The SMS notification reads: *“Dear customer, you have been credited with compensation airtime for service quality issues (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026). Dial 310# to check. Thank you.” Subscribers reported receiving varying amounts, typically ranging from about ₦167 to over ₦500, depending on usage patterns and the severity of service disruption in their locations. Most payouts remain below ₦1,000.

Another major operator, MTN Nigeria, has also reportedly begun issuing compensation to affected users for network issues experienced in January 2026. Some subscribers received airtime credits ranging from ₦20 to over ₦341, confirming a broader rollout of the NCC directive across major telecom networks.

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According to NCC Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida, the compensation is not a government refund but a mandatory compliance requirement placed on operators to ensure accountability. He explained that the initiative is designed to restore value to consumers who experienced poor service and to enforce stricter adherence to performance benchmarks across the telecom industry.

Under the framework, compensation applies only to subscribers in affected Local Government Areas (LGAs) where network performance dropped below acceptable thresholds. Telecom operators are expected to use network data to automatically identify affected areas and customers, meaning subscribers do not need to apply manually or visit service centres.

To qualify, a subscriber must have been in a poorly serviced LGA and engaged in at least one billed activity—such as a call, SMS, or data session—during the affected period. The compensation is issued as “clean credit,” meaning it does not expire and can be used for calls, data, or text messages.

Alongside compensation, the NCC is also pushing operators to improve service quality through large-scale infrastructure investments. The regulator says telecom companies have committed to over 12,000 network upgrade projects in 2026, a significant increase from the previous year. Industry sources also indicate that at least one major operator has pledged over $1 billion in fresh capital expenditure to strengthen network capacity and reduce congestion.

While many customers have welcomed the compensation as a step toward accountability, some say the amounts are too small compared to the inconvenience experienced. A Lagos-based banker, Toyin Adekunle, noted that while she received ₦295, it did not reflect the extent of service disruption she faced during the festive season.

Industry analysts, however, argue that the policy’s real impact lies not in the payouts but in forcing operators to improve network reliability. They note that sustained compliance with QoS standards could eventually reduce or eliminate the need for compensation altogether.

NCC Orders Airtel, MTN to Compensate Subscribers for Poor Network Service

Coup Plot Trial: Video Shows Defendants Admit Plan Against Tinubu

The Federal Government has intensified its prosecution of an alleged coup plot against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, presenting video evidence before the Federal High Court in Abuja that captures some defendants admitting knowledge of the plan.

The video recordings, played during Monday’s proceedings, form a key part of the prosecution’s case in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/206/2026. In the footage, some of the accused persons were seen explaining their roles and level of involvement during interrogation sessions with investigators.

Those standing trial include retired Major General Mohammed Ibrahim Gana, retired Naval Captain Erasmus Ochegobia Victor, Police Inspector Ahmed Ibrahim, as well as Zekeri Umoru, Bukar Kashim Goni, and Abdulkadir Sani. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation has filed a 13-count charge bordering on treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence. Prosecutors allege the defendants conspired in September 2025 to “levy war” against the Nigerian state in a bid to overawe the president—an offence punishable under Nigerian law. Former Bayelsa State governor Timipre Sylva was also mentioned in the charge as being linked to the alleged plot, though authorities say he is currently at large.

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In the video evidence presented, two defendants—retired Captain Victor and Inspector Ibrahim—admitted they were aware of discussions about overthrowing the government but failed to report the plan. Victor acknowledged knowing the alleged mastermind, Colonel M. A. Ma’aji, and said he was aware of the coup discussions, explaining that the officer had expressed frustration over stalled promotion and intentions to topple the government. Although he claimed to have advised against such action and declined participation, he admitted maintaining communication with the suspect and failing to alert authorities. Inspector Ibrahim, a serving officer attached to the State House, admitted receiving between N1.4 million and N1.5 million and participating in reconnaissance activities around the Presidential Villa, including photographing key locations and discussing possible access routes, while also confirming the use of coded language for funding and operational plans.

In contrast, retired Major General Gana denied any knowledge of the coup plan. He told investigators he had lived quietly since retiring in 2010 and had no involvement in subversive activities. While admitting he knew Colonel Ma’aji, received a N2 million transfer, and shared certain messages—including a past coup speech—via WhatsApp, he insisted he merely forwarded materials without authoring them. He also denied conducting reconnaissance or helping to raise funds for the alleged operation.

Defence lawyers challenged the admissibility of the video recordings, arguing that their clients did not make the statements voluntarily and objecting to the footage being played in open court. However, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, overruled the objections and allowed the videos to be played, stating that a “trial-within-trial” would be conducted to determine the voluntariness of the statements.

The case remains one of the most significant national security trials in recent times, with prosecutors alleging that the defendants not only had prior knowledge of the coup plot but also failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it. They are further accused of indirectly aiding the plan by not reporting it to relevant authorities, with additional charges under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

All defendants have pleaded not guilty and remain in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). The court has adjourned proceedings to continue hearing the case, including arguments on the admissibility of the video evidence, which is expected to play a crucial role in the final outcome.

Coup Plot Trial: Video Shows Defendants Admit Plan Against Tinubu

FCT: Pastor Kneels, Appeals to Wike Over Jabi Lake Recreation Land

The Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to halt any plan to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.

In a video shared on her Instagram page on Sunday, the cleric was seen kneeling on the pulpit as she made an emotional appeal, urging the minister to preserve the facility as a public space for residents of Abuja.

“I cannot fight the minister of the FCT. I cannot. But I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

She explained that the Jabi Lake area serves multiple purposes for residents, including exercise, relaxation, trading activities, social gatherings, and recreational events. According to her, the space has become an important part of community life in the capital city.

“That is where people go for exercise. That is where people sell. That is where people meet and hobnob and get married. That is where young people go to. I beg you, Mr Minister, in the name of God, as a mother, not to sell that land to anybody,” she added.

Omakwu also referenced concerns about past urban developments in Abuja, noting that some public access areas had become restricted over time, including parts of government-controlled zones.

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Despite her appeal, she commended Wike for ongoing infrastructure projects in the Federal Capital Territory, particularly road construction and urban renewal efforts that she said have improved mobility within the city.

“I want to thank you for all the highways you have built around the city. You have made my journey to my home a whole lot easier,” she said, while still urging him to reconsider plans for the Jabi Lake site.

The appeal comes months after the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) entered into public-private partnership agreements to redevelop the Jabi Lake corridor into a modern recreational and tourism hub.

In February, the FCTA signed development deals with private firms including Suburban Broadband Limited and Akida Hills Limited, aimed at upgrading facilities around the lake to boost tourism, investment, and leisure activities in Abuja.

Officials had previously stated that the initiative is part of broader efforts to reposition the capital city as a destination for tourism, recreation, and economic development, while attracting private sector investment into underutilised public assets.

The Jabi Lake redevelopment plan has continued to generate public debate, with some residents supporting the project for its economic potential, while others insist the area should remain a fully public recreational space.

As discussions continue, the FCTA has not issued a new response specifically addressing the pastor’s appeal, but earlier statements suggest the project remains part of its urban renewal and economic expansion strategy for Abuja.

FCT: Pastor Kneels, Appeals to Wike Over Jabi Lake Recreation Land