NCC Launches Strategic 2026–2030 Spectrum Roadmap to Anchor Nigeria’s Digital Future
NCC Launches Strategic 2026–2030 Spectrum Roadmap to Anchor Nigeria’s Digital Future
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially unveiled its National Spectrum Roadmap for 2026–2030, a strategic blueprint designed to transform Nigeria’s digital landscape through regulatory transparency and enhanced connectivity.
During a stakeholders’ consultation forum held in Abuja on Monday, the Commission detailed how this new framework will provide a predictable environment for investors while significantly improving the quality of service for telecom consumers nationwide.
Expanding Capacity: The 6GHz and 60GHz Frontiers
A central pillar of the new roadmap is the introduction of guidelines for opening the lower 6GHz and 60GHz bands. Unlike traditional licensed bands, these are “licence-exempt,” meaning they can be utilized to rapidly deploy high-speed, affordable Wi-Fi and wireless broadband services.
Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, emphasized that these measures are essential to meet the country’s growing appetite for data.
> “Our national ambitions are growing. We want faster speeds, wider coverage, and stronger innovation. This roadmap creates a transparent regulatory environment that supports investment and improves service quality for all Nigerians,” Maida stated through his representative, Atiku Lawal.
Why Spectrum Matters
The NCC leadership described spectrum as the “invisible backbone” of the modern economy. The roadmap is designed to support:
* Education & Healthcare: Facilitating stable online classrooms and digital health records.
* Commerce: Ensuring seamless digital transactions for businesses.
* Infrastructure: Powering smart technologies and emergency communication systems.
A Collaborative Vision
The initiative received strong backing from industry stakeholders. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to fairness, noting that spectrum resources must be managed to serve every community, not just urban hubs.
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Representing the private sector, Dr. Lola Fafore of Huawei highlighted the economic impact of the move, noting that the roadmap is expected to significantly boost broadband penetration and contribute to Nigeria’s overall GDP growth.
Key Highlights of the 2026–2030 Roadmap
| Predictability | Gives telcos a clear timeline for spectrum availability to plan long-term investments. |
| Lower 6GHz Band | Unlocks massive capacity for high-speed Wi-Fi 6E and future Wi-Fi 7 technologies. |
| 60GHz Band | Ideal for “short-range, high-capacity” links in campuses and dense business districts. |
| Transparency | Reduces regulatory bottlenecks, making it easier for new innovators to enter the market. |
The two-day forum continues in Abuja, where technical experts and policymakers will further deliberate on the implementation of these digital initiatives.
