In a bid to unlock new spectrum bands, expand broadband capacity, and provide regulatory certainty for telecommunications investment, telecommunications industry regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has begun stakeholder consultations on the Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030, the NCC’s Spectrum Roadmap which sets out an ambitious vision of near-universal 4G coverage, expanded 5G adoption, and deeper integration of satellite services by 2030.
At the consultation forum on January 19, 2026, in Abuja, Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of the Commission, said the roadmap would provide a clear and predictable framework for spectrum use.
Represented by the Head of Spectrum Administration, Mr Atiku Lawal, Dr Maida said it would enable operators to invest confidently while improving the quality of service nationwide.
Dr Maida said that rising data consumption, driven by mobile broadband, digital services, and smart technologies, requires forward-looking spectrum planning. According to the NCC EVC, “Our ambition is faster speeds, wider coverage, better service quality, and inclusive access. The Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030 sets out how spectrum will be managed to support these goals.”
Speaking further, he said, “Our national ambitions are growing; we want faster speeds, wider coverage, better service quality, stronger innovation, and greater inclusion. This is the context in which the Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030 has been developed.
“This roadmap is about creating a transparent, predictable, and enabling regulatory environment that supports investment, encourages innovation, expands access, and improves service quality for all Nigerians.”
According to the Commission, the consultations also cover guidelines to open the lower 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6 deployment and the 60 GHz licence-exempt band for multi-gigabit wireless systems, moves expected to ease congestion on existing networks and support high-capacity connectivity in homes, campuses, businesses, and public spaces.
Dr Maida said spectrum remains the foundation of Nigeria’s digital economy, powering mobile networks, broadband services, digital finance platforms, emergency communications, and emerging technologies. He said, “We are preparing Nigeria for the data demands of tomorrow, not only on mobile networks but across the entire digital ecosystem.”
Meanwhile, Mr Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, represented by Mr Gidado Maigana, disclosed in his keynote address that the roadmap would ensure spectrum resources are allocated fairly and in line with national development priorities. Mr Oshadami said, “Our goal is to ensure that spectrum serves every community and that broadband expansion is guided by foresight and equity.”
Earlier, Mr Lawal described the Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030 as a strategic policy tool rather than a purely technical document, noting that it would shape Nigeria’s digital growth over the next decade.
