NCC unveils spectrum roadmap to boost digital economy, broadband expansion

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled plans that will shape the future of broadband, wireless connectivity and digital services in Nigeria, with the release of a draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2026 to 2030 and new guidelines for opening the lower 6GHz and 60GHz spectrum bands.

Speaking during his welcome address on Monday in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said spectrum remains a critical national resource that powers modern communications and the digital economy.

Representing the EVC, Head of Spectrum Administration, Atiku Lawal, said the Spectrum Roadmap 2026 to 2030 is designed to provide a clear and forward looking framework that will give investors confidence, encourage innovation and expand access to quality communication services across the country.

According to him, the initiatives are expected to stimulate broadband investment, expand digital infrastructure, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy, as the country positions itself to meet rising data demand and global competitiveness targets.

He said the new roadmap and guidelines are aimed at preparing Nigeria for rising demand for data, faster internet speeds and next generation technologies, while ensuring transparency and predictability in spectrum management, which are critical to attracting long term private sector investment.

He said efficient spectrum planning will help reduce the cost of broadband deployment, encourage network expansion into underserved areas and unlock new opportunities for businesses that rely on digital connectivity.

He said, “At the heart of our sector lies an essential national resource: spectrum. Spectrum may be invisible, yet it is indispensable. It powers the connectivity behind our mobile phones, our broadband connections, our satellite services, emergency communications, financial platforms, and smart technologies”.

He explained that demand for spectrum is increasing rapidly due to data intensive applications, artificial intelligence, cloud services and the Internet of Things, adding that smarter planning and flexible regulation are now required to sustain economic growth.

Lawal noted that effective spectrum management has direct implications for productivity, job creation and national competitiveness, as digital infrastructure increasingly underpins sectors such as finance, trade, healthcare, education, transportation and public services.

On the opening of the lower 6GHz and 60GHz bands, the NCC said the move will unlock new capacity for high speed, affordable and reliable connectivity, especially for Wi Fi, homes, schools, businesses and public spaces, while easing congestion on existing spectrum bands.

“Alongside the roadmap, the guidelines for the lower 6 GHz and 60 GHz bands represent a bold step toward unlocking new capacity for high speed, affordable, and reliable connectivity,” Lawal said.

He stressed that expanded access to unlicensed spectrum will lower barriers to innovation, support new digital services and business models, and enable small and medium scale enterprises to leverage affordable connectivity to grow.

According to him, the commission’s approach aligns with national development priorities and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goal of building a one trillion dollar digital economy by 2030.

Earlier, representing the Head of Spectrum Administration, Engr Joseph Emeshili from the Spectrum Administration Department, described the forum as a defining moment for Nigeria’s digital future.

He said the roadmap is more than a technical document, but a strategic blueprint that can help bridge the digital divide, expand economic participation and make reliable connectivity accessible to all Nigerians, including those in rural and underserved communities.

“The demand for high speed, reliable connectivity is no longer a luxury. It has become an absolute necessity and, to a larger extent, a human right,” he said.

Emeshili explained that the lower 6GHz band will enable the full potential of Wi Fi 6, while the 60GHz band will support multi gigabit wireless links for advanced applications such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and smart cities, which are key drivers of modern digital economies.

Also speaking, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services of the NCC, Engr Abraham Oshadami, represented by the Head of Fixed Networks and Converged Services, Engr Gidado Maigana, said spectrum planning will determine Nigeria’s ability to meet broadband targets, attract investment and compete globally.

He noted that while Nigeria has made progress in mobile broadband penetration and 5G rollout, rising data demand requires deliberate and forward looking spectrum planning to sustain economic growth.

He said, “The Spectrum Roadmap 2026 to 2030 provides a strategic pathway that ensures clarity, predictability, and transparency while aligning spectrum management with national priorities.”

Maigana said the draft guidelines for the lower 6GHz and 60GHz bands are intended to define deployment scenarios, manage interference and provide clear operational frameworks, adding that stakeholder input will help strengthen the final policies.

He emphasised that expanded spectrum access will reduce network deployment costs, improve quality of experience for consumers and businesses, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a digitally driven economy.

He called for collaboration to ensure spectrum remains a catalyst for innovation, economic growth and national development.