NCC Unveils Spectrum Roadmap to Expand Broadband Access and Drive Inclusive Digital Growth in Nigeria
csrreporters 
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has signalled a major shift in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure strategy with plans to open the lower 6 GHz and 60 GHz spectrum bands under its proposed Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030. The move is designed to tackle growing capacity constraints, accelerate broadband expansion, and support the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $1 trillion digital economy before the end of the decade.
Unveiled at a two day Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum in Abuja, the proposal reflects a more deliberate and investment-focused approach to spectrum management. With data consumption surging across households, businesses, and emerging technologies, the NCC is positioning spectrum policy as a critical enabler of long-term economic growth rather than a purely regulatory exercise.
At the forum, the NCC explained that stakeholders would deliberate on three key frameworks: the Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030, guidelines for opening the lower 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6, and guidelines for the 60 GHz licence-exempt band for multi-gigabit wireless systems. Together, these policies aim to expand available spectrum, reduce congestion, and improve service quality nationwide.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, described the roadmap as a strategic national asset that will shape Nigeria’s digital future. Represented by the Head of Spectrum Administration, Engineer Atiku Lawal, Maida stressed that spectrum is both finite and increasingly in demand, driven by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and other data-intensive applications.
According to him, Nigeria’s rising digital ambitions faster speeds, wider coverage, stronger innovation, and greater inclusion require not only more spectrum, but also smarter planning and more flexible regulatory approaches. The roadmap, he noted, is intended to create a transparent and predictable regulatory environment that encourages investment while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.
The NCC also linked the policy direction to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Tinubu administration, positioning spectrum reform as part of a broader national development strategy. By clearly outlining future spectrum use, the Commission aims to give industry players confidence to invest, innovate, and expand access across underserved communities.
A central feature of the initiative is the opening of the lower 6 GHz and 60 GHz bands for unlicensed use. The NCC believes this will unlock significant new capacity for high-speed and affordable connectivity. Globally, Wi-Fi already carries a substantial share of internet traffic, particularly as indoor broadband usage continues to grow. Expanding unlicensed spectrum, the Commission argues, will strengthen connectivity not only on mobile networks but also across homes, schools, campuses, healthcare facilities, and public spaces.
Further reinforcing this position, Engineer Atiku Lawal, represented by Joseph Emeshili, described the roadmap as a strategic blueprint that promotes collaboration, inclusivity, and shared responsibility among regulators, industry players, policymakers, and consumers. He said the consultative forum provides a platform for aligning priorities and addressing challenges through partnership and dialogue.
From a technical perspective, the NCC highlighted that opening these bands is also a practical response to congestion in traditional Wi-Fi frequencies. The lower 6 GHz band offers wider channels and higher data rates, while the 60 GHz band supports multi-gigabit wireless connectivity for advanced applications. According to Engr Abraham Oshodami, Executive Commissioner for Technical Services, represented by Engr Gidado Maigana, this expansion reflects a commitment to ensuring that spectrum resources serve every community and align with national development goals.
Overall, the NCC’s proposed Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030 underscores a growing recognition that digital infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic transformation. By proactively opening new spectrum bands and engaging stakeholders early, the Commission is laying the groundwork for a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready communications ecosystem one capable of supporting Nigeria’s long-term digital and economic aspirations.