Developing a Network Performance Monitoring and Optimisation Framework for Telecommunications Operators in North West Nigeria

Mobile network quality in North West Nigeria is characterised by frequent dropped calls, high latency, and data throughput below contracted service levels, attributable to inadequate proactive network performance monitoring and slow fault resolution processes at the operator's regional network operations centres. This study developed a network performance monitoring and optimisation framework for telecommunications operators serving the North West geopolitical zone. A professional telecom engineering methodology was adopted, drawing on key performance indicator data provided by a regional mobile operator for a six-month period covering Kano, Kaduna, and Katsina States. The framework defines 48 KPIs across four performance dimensions: accessibility (call setup success rate, 4G attach success rate), retainability (drop call rate, radio link failure rate), integrity (throughput, latency, jitter), and availability (site uptime, handover success). A root cause analysis workflow was designed for the five most common failure patterns identified in the KPI dataset. Automated threshold alerting rules were defined for integration with existing NOC systems. A network optimisation workflow encompassing three phases (continuous monitoring, anomaly detection, and field work order generation) was designed with 48-hour resolution targets for critical performance failures. Implementation of the framework on a simulated 500-site network dataset using Python analytics showed a potential 18.4 percent improvement in dropped call rate with existing network resources through optimised parameter changes. The study recommends adoption of the framework by the regional NOC and periodic KPI target revision aligned with NCC Quality of Service regulations.

Keywords: network performance monitoring, telecommunications, North West Nigeria, KPI, mobile network optimisation