By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has convened key industry stakeholders, regulators, and development partners in Abuja to shape Nigeria’s Spectrum Roadmap for 2026–2030, underscoring its commitment to proactive and future-focused spectrum management.
The stakeholder engagement, held on Monday at the Communications and Digital Economy Complex, NCC Annex Office, Mbora, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), focused on policy directions that will guide spectrum planning, allocation, and utilisation over the next five years. The forum comes amid growing demand for high-speed broadband, advanced wireless networks, and emerging digital services across the country.
At the centre of discussions were two critical regulatory frameworks: the Guidelines for the Use of the 60 GHz Band for Multi-Gigabit Wireless Systems and the Guidelines for the Use of the Lower Part of the 6 GHz Band for Wi-Fi 6 in Nigeria. According to the Commission, the proposed frameworks are designed to unlock additional spectrum capacity, enhance network performance, and accelerate the deployment of innovative wireless technologies nationwide.
Senior NCC officials, industry leaders, and international development partners participated in Day One of the engagement. Notable attendees included Dr. Nihinlola Mary Fafore, Deputy Director, Business Environment and Affairs, Huawei Nigeria; Engr. Atiku Lawal, Head, Spectrum Administration Department, NCC; Engr. Gidado Maigana Ahmed, Head, Fixed Networks and Converged Services, NCC; Mr. Abubakar Hammanyaji, Head, Spectrum Assignment, NCC; Dr. Joseph Emeshili, Head, Spectrum Planning, NCC; and Mr. Idongesit Udo, Country Lead, Digital Access Programme, UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Speaking at the forum, NCC officials said the Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030 is aimed at ensuring efficient, transparent, and sustainable use of spectrum resources, while creating a predictable regulatory environment that encourages investment and innovation. They noted that effective spectrum planning is critical to expanding broadband penetration, supporting 5G deployment, and enabling high-capacity fixed and wireless networks.
Industry stakeholders observed that opening up the 6 GHz and 60 GHz bands would significantly support Nigeria’s rising data needs, particularly in areas such as enterprise connectivity, smart infrastructure, education, healthcare, and digital services. Development partners also emphasised the importance of inclusive spectrum policies that promote digital access and help bridge connectivity gaps in underserved and rural communities.
Participants at the engagement agreed that sustained collaboration among the regulator, telecom operators, equipment manufacturers, and development partners is essential to translating spectrum policies into improved quality of service, wider network coverage, and more affordable broadband for consumers.
The NCC reaffirmed that inputs and outcomes from the stakeholder engagement will guide final policy decisions under the Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030, positioning Nigeria to leverage next-generation wireless technologies and strengthen its competitiveness in the global digital economy.
