L-R: Deputy Director, Huawei Business Environment/Affairs Nigeria, Dr. Nihinlola Fafore; Head, Spectrum Administration Department, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Atiku Lawal; Head, Fixed Networks and Converged Services (NCC), Engr. Gidado Maigana Ahmed; Head Spectrum Assignment (NCC), Mr. Abubakar Hammanyaji; Country Lead, Digital Access Program, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Mr. Idongesit Udo; Head, Spectrum Planning, (NCC), Dr. Joseph Emeshili at the Day1 of the Stakeholder Engagement on Spectrum Roadmap 2026 – 2030, Guidelines for the Use of the 60 GHz for Multi Gigabit Wireless Systems and the Guidelines for the Use of the Lower Part of the 6 GHz Band for Wifi-6 in Nigeria held at the Auditorium, Communications and Digital Economy Complex, NCC Annex Office, Mbora, FCT, Abuja.
NCC unveils National Spectrum Roadmap to guide Nigeria’s digital future
The Nigerian Communication Commisdion, NCC, has outlined plans for the National Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030, positioning it as a critical guide for the nation’s digital advancement.
The Commission, during a stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja, affirmed that the future will be built on a foundation of transparency and consistent spectrum regulation.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, announced this at a consultation forum dedicated to the spectrum roadmap.
He explained that the initiative encompasses both the overarching roadmap and specific guidelines for opening the lower 6 GHz and 60 GHz license-exempt bands.
“Our national ambitions are growing,” stated Dr. Maida. “We want faster speeds, broader coverage, better service quality, increased innovation, and greater inclusion. This roadmap creates a transparent regulatory environment supporting investment, encouraging innovation, expanding access, and enhancing service quality for all Nigerians.”
He assured that the new guidelines for the identified bands would unlock fresh capacity for high-speed, affordable, and reliable connectivity.
“Spectrum is behind everything digital we do. Though invisible, it is essential for mobile, broadband, satellite, emergency, and smart technologies,” Maida stressed, noting that every video call, online class, digital transaction, and connected device in Nigeria depends on it.
“We are preparing Nigeria for future data needs across homes, campuses, businesses, healthcare facilities, and public spaces,” he said.
Atiku Lawal, representing Spectrum Administration, stated that the measures are fundamentally aimed at improving the quality of service nationwide.
He analyzed the roadmap as more than a technical document, calling it a strategic blueprint for Nigeria’s digital future.
Echoing the strategic importance, Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, highlighted that spectrum resources must be managed to serve every community.
“Today’s engagement reaffirms our commitment to expanding wireless broadband through foresight, fairness, and adherence to national development goals,” Oshadami said.
Support from the private sector was voiced by Dr. Lola Fafore, representing Huawei. She noted that the roadmap would drive innovation, increase broadband penetration, and contribute significantly to the national GDP.
The stakeholders’ engagement served to further highlight this comprehensive initiative, which the Commission believes will fundamentally enhance Nigeria’s digital trajectory.
About The Author
