NCC rolls out new spectrum roadmap to strengthen Nigeria’s broadband capacity
Abayomi Susan
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a far-reaching spectrum roadmap aimed at boosting broadband capacity nationwide in response to Nigeria’s rapidly growing data consumption.
The draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2026–2030 was unveiled in Abuja alongside new guidelines for the release of the lower 6GHz and 60GHz spectrum bands. The initiative is designed to attract investment, reinforce telecom infrastructure, and position the sector to meet the rising demand for high-speed data services.
Quoting projections from GSMA Intelligence, the NCC disclosed that average mobile data usage per connection in Nigeria is expected to more than double—from 5.8GB per month in 2025 to 12GB by 2030. Over the same period, active mobile subscriptions are forecast to increase from 171 million to about 220 million, driving national mobile data traffic from 11.9 exabytes in 2025 to 31.7 exabytes by 2030, equivalent to roughly 2,640 petabytes monthly.
The Commission noted that although 4G networks will continue to carry most mobile data traffic, 5G will increasingly serve as the high-capacity layer in urban areas and enterprise corridors. This will support emerging applications such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and immersive media.
At the unveiling, the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida—represented by Atiku Lawal, Head of Spectrum Administration—described spectrum as a vital national asset that underpins mobile connectivity, broadband services, satellite communications, emergency networks, financial platforms, and smart technologies.
Maida explained that the draft roadmap provides a forward-looking framework to boost investor confidence, drive innovation, and ensure reliable communication services across the country. He noted that effective spectrum planning would help reduce broadband deployment costs, extend networks to underserved communities, and unlock new opportunities for digital-dependent businesses.
Under the roadmap, the NCC plans to open the lower 6GHz and 60GHz spectrum bands to enhance capacity for affordable, high-speed connectivity. Joseph Emeshili, speaking on behalf of the Head of Spectrum Administration, described the move as a strategic step toward bridging the digital divide and expanding economic inclusion. He said the lower 6GHz band would unlock the full potential of Wi-Fi 6, while the 60GHz band would enable multi-gigabit wireless links for advanced use cases, including smart cities, AI, and cloud computing.
Also speaking, Gidado Maigana, representing Abraham Oshadami, NCC Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, stressed that improved spectrum planning is essential for achieving broadband targets, attracting investment, and sustaining Nigeria’s global competitiveness. He added that stakeholder engagement would be critical in fine-tuning the roadmap and associated policies.
The NCC’s strategy further underscores the importance of satellite-enabled mobile connectivity. The Commission is prioritising Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services to extend coverage to underserved areas affected by difficult terrain, security concerns, or high deployment costs. D2D technology enables voice and data services to reach standard mobile devices directly, without reliance on terrestrial towers, positioning non-terrestrial networks as a key complement to traditional infrastructure.
Through these measures, the NCC seeks to prepare Nigeria’s telecom sector for the next phase of digital expansion while widening access to affordable, high-speed connectivity for businesses, schools, and households across the country.
