The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken another major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure with the release of a draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2026–2030 and new guidelines that open up the lower 6GHz and 60GHz frequency bands.
The roadmap, unveiled in Abuja, signals the regulator’s plan to prepare the communications sector for rising data demand, faster broadband rollout, and increased digital innovation. According to the NCC, spectrum remains one of the country’s most valuable national resources, forming the backbone of mobile services, internet connectivity, satellite systems, emergency communications, financial technologies, and smart solutions.
Speaking on behalf of the NCC leadership, officials explained that the roadmap is designed to give investors clarity and confidence, while creating room for innovation and better-quality services for consumers. By laying out how spectrum will be managed over the next five years, the Commission aims to stimulate infrastructure investment, expand network coverage, generate jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.
The NCC noted that smarter spectrum planning will help operators reduce deployment costs and extend broadband services to communities that are currently underserved. With data consumption growing rapidly due to artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and Internet of Things applications, the Commission said flexible and forward-thinking regulation is no longer optional.
A key highlight of the initiative is the opening of the lower 6GHz and 60GHz bands. These frequencies are expected to unlock new capacity for high-speed, reliable, and affordable connectivity, especially for Wi-Fi services in homes, schools, businesses, and public areas. The NCC believes wider access to unlicensed spectrum will encourage innovation, support emerging digital services, and help small businesses take advantage of affordable internet access.
Officials also described the roadmap as a strategic tool for closing Nigeria’s digital gap. While the lower 6GHz band is expected to enhance next-generation Wi-Fi experiences, the 60GHz band will enable ultra-fast wireless links suited for advanced technologies such as smart cities, AI-powered platforms, and cloud-based services.
The Commission emphasized that stakeholder input will play a critical role in shaping the final framework, ensuring that policies remain practical, inclusive, and aligned with market realities. Expanded spectrum access, it added, will improve service quality, reduce operational costs for operators, and accelerate Nigeria’s shift toward a digital-first economy.
Overall, the NCC said the spectrum roadmap supports national development priorities and aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, reinforcing the goal of building a $1 trillion digital economy by 2030.
