Joy Agwunobi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a comprehensive spectrum roadmap designed to expand broadband capacity across the country, addressing the rapid rise in data consumption among Nigerian users.
The draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2026–2030 was presented alongside fresh guidelines for opening the lower 6GHz and 60GHz spectrum bands at an event in Abuja. The initiative aims to attract investment, strengthen Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, and ensure the sector is ready for the surging demand for high-speed data.
Citing GSMA Intelligence projections, the NCC highlighted that average mobile data usage per connection in Nigeria is expected to more than double, rising from 5.8 gigabytes per month in 2025 to 12 gigabytes by 2030. Active mobile subscriptions are projected to grow from 171 million to approximately 220 million over the same period, pushing national mobile data traffic from 11.9 exabytes in 2025 to 31.7 exabytes by 2030—equivalent to around 2,640 petabytes per month.
The NCC noted that while 4G networks will continue to carry the majority of mobile data traffic, 5G will increasingly act as the high-capacity layer in urban centers and enterprise corridors, supporting applications in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and immersive media.
Speaking at the unveiling, Aminu Maida,executive vice chairman of NCC, represented by Atiku Lawal, head of spectrum administration, described spectrum as a critical national resource underpinning mobile connectivity, broadband services, satellite communications, emergency networks, financial platforms, and emerging smart technologies.
Maida explained that the draft roadmap offers a forward-looking framework to boost investor confidence, encourage innovation, and ensure quality communication services nationwide. “Effective spectrum planning will help lower broadband deployment costs, extend networks into underserved areas, and create new opportunities for businesses dependent on digital connectivity,” he said, noting the growing demand from data-intensive applications.
As part of the roadmap, the NCC plans to open the lower 6GHz and 60GHz spectrum bands to increase capacity for high-speed, affordable connectivity. Joseph Emeshili, representing the head of spectrum administration, described the move as a strategic blueprint to bridge the digital divide and expand economic participation. He noted that the lower 6GHz band will enable the full potential of Wi-Fi 6, while the 60GHz band will support multi-gigabit wireless links for advanced applications such as smart cities, AI, and cloud computing.
Gidado Maigana, representing Abraham Oshadami, the NCC executive commissioner for technical services emphasised that improved spectrum planning is crucial for meeting broadband targets, attracting investment, and maintaining Nigeria’s global competitiveness. He added that stakeholder engagement would play a key role in refining the roadmap and related policies.
The NCC’s new strategy also highlights the role of satellite-powered mobile connectivity. The Commission is prioritsing Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite services as a key tool to extend coverage, particularly to underserved regions affected by geography, security challenges, or high deployment costs. D2D technology allows voice and data services to reach standard mobile handsets directly, without reliance on terrestrial towers, positioning non-terrestrial networks as an essential complement to traditional infrastructure.
With these measures, the NCC aims to prepare Nigeria’s telecom sector for the next wave of digital growth while expanding access to affordable, high-speed connectivity for businesses, schools, and households nationwide.
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