The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on telecommunications stakeholders, equipment manufacturers, and the general public to review two pivotal draft documents aimed at reshaping the nation’s digital landscape through 2030.
Released in line with Section 58 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, the Draft Five-Year Spectrum Roadmap (2025–2030) and the Draft Guidelines for the Use of the 60 GHz License-Exempt Band underscore the regulator’s commitment to achieving universal broadband access and fostering ultra-high-speed wireless innovation.
The proposed Spectrum Roadmap outlines a strategic framework for the allocation and management of radio frequencies, prioritising the bridging of the digital divide for approximately 23 million Nigerians in unserved clusters.
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Central to the plan is the formal integration of Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity and the release of additional bands, including the 450 MHz and 600 MHz frequencies. The Commission anticipates that these interventions will support a surge in mobile subscriptions, projected to rise from 171.6 million to 220 million by the end of the decade.
Simultaneously, the draft guidelines for the 60 GHz band introduce a license-exempt regime for the 57–66 GHz spectrum, capable of delivering multi-gigabit speeds up to 10 Gbps. This regulatory shift is expected to accelerate the deployment of next-generation technologies, such as Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), high-density urban broadband, and advanced enterprise networks. By lowering entry barriers for short-range, high-capacity systems, the NCC aims to complement existing licensed bands and alleviate network congestion in commercially vibrant hubs.
The Spectrum roadmap also sets ambitious performance targets, including median download speeds of 100 Mbps and at least 50 per cent 5G coverage across all state capitals by 2030. These goals are backed by the sector’s rising economic profile, which contributed 17.68 per cent to the national GDP as of late 2024, cementing telecommunications as a primary driver of Nigeria’s industrial growth.
Interested parties have until Friday, January 16, 2026, to submit their comments and suggestions to the Commission via designated electronic channels. The NCC, led by Executive Vice Chairman Dr. Aminu Maida, stressed that stakeholder feedback will be instrumental in refining the final frameworks to ensure they attract investment and foster sustainable competition. This consultative approach is seen as vital for maintaining the over $75 billion in infrastructure investment the sector has facilitated since its deregulation.
