238 network outages in January 2026 raises concerns about reliable telco service
Nigerian telcos suffered 238 network outages in January 2026. This is a 101.7% increase from the 118 reported cases in the previous month.
Data made available on the NCC’s uptime portal shows that the outages were reported by several Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). These include MTN, Airtel and T2mobile (formerly 9mobile). Internet Service Providers (ISPs), including Starlink, Layer3, Fiberone Broadband, IPNX and Backbone Connectivity Network (BCN) were also affected.
With 188 cases of network outages, BCN suffered the highest disruption, followed by MTN, which recorded 75 cases and T2mobile with 23 cases. Others are Layer3 (9), Airtel (8), Fiberone Broadband (2), IPNX (2), and Starlink (1).
On the causes of these disruptions, fibre cuts accounted for 67.6% (161) of the network outages, while power outages held 18.5% (44) share. Others are bush burning (11), vandalism (5), low optical power (3), equipment failure (2), power optimisation (1), congestion (1), and other unknown causes (14).
Repairs made to disruptions ranged from 30 minutes to 6 days, signalling the response time of operators to restore normalcy.
Also Read: One year after 50% tariff hike: How improved is telecoms service in Nigeria.
The major disruptions
BCN, which led in cases of network outages, saw disruptions across the month, except on January 27. All incidents occurred in FCT Abuja, the location where the telco operates.
On January 8, 9, 25 and 26, the telco recorded 30 cases of network outages caused by fibre cuts, power outages and vandalism in FCT (Abuja Municipal Area Council).
MTN Nigeria suffered network issues throughout the month, except on January 25.
On January 5, it experienced fibre cuts in 17 local governments in Benue and Enugu, which affected SMS, voice, and data services. On the same day, sites went down due to congestion, affecting nine local governments in Abia State.
For the leading telecom operator, a highlight of the month was reporting 15 cases of fibre cuts and power outages between January 12 and 14. This occurred across various local governments in Abia, Cross River, Edo, Adamawa, Kwara, Kogi, Nassarawa, Borno, Yobe, Benue, and Gombe States.
In other days, network outages were recorded in parts of Oyo, Osun, Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and other States.
T2mobile has its own share of major network downtimes.
On January 13 and 14, the telco reported 6 cases of disruption attributed to fibre cuts and power outages. The outage occurred in parts of Abia, Cross River, Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe states. On other days during the month, T2mobile’s service went down in Enugu, Benue, Oyo, Lagos, FCT Abuja, Gombe, Kano, Sokoto, Katsina and other States.
fibre cuts
On January 30 and 31, Airtel reported two cases. The first in Osun affecting Aiyedaade, Atakunmosa West, Ife Central, Ife East, and Ife North. The second in Imo State affecting Aboh Mbaise, Ahiazu Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Ezinihitte, Ideato North, Ideato South, Ikeduru, Isiala Mbano, Isu, and Mbaitoli. Both cases were attributed to fibre cuts.
Nigerian telcos are in a mixed situation
While most telcos are seeing a positive turnaround in their earnings, a significant recovery from the losses recorded in 2024, cases of infrastructure vandalism and avoidable fibre cuts have been a concern.
These outages are more than numbers. They reflect the frustrations experienced by Nigerian telecom subscribers on epileptic voice, SMS and data activities and how quality service delivery has been challenging for Nigerian telcos.
It also reflects how cuts in fibre-optic cable and diesel supply, epileptic power supply and backup system, and issues with equipment needed to transmit and receive signals continue to hinder swift connectivity.
L-R: Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); and Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, NDPC, during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding between NCC and NDPC, on 5th February 2026 at the NCC Headquarters Abuja.
Although telecom infrastructures are now designated as national assets, the constant record of network outages continues to disrupt daily business operations and keep nationwide connectivity under pressure. It also signals a threat to service quality, reliability and national security.
To curtail the rising incidence, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) threatened legal action against road construction companies over cable cuts.
Both agencies, in their joint statement on Wednesday, warned that individuals, construction companies, or government contractors who damage fibre-optic cables will face applicable sanctions as contained in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The post 238 network outages in January 2026 raises concerns about reliable telco service first appeared on Technext.
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