NCC Moves to Unlock New Spectrum for Digital Economy
By Patience Ikpeme
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has opened a landmark consultative session with industry stakeholders to pave the way for the release of new spectrum bands.
This initiative is designed to propel the nation toward the Federal Government’s goal of a $1 trillion digital economy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The focus of the forum, held at the Digital Economy Complex in Mbora, Abuja, centers on the development of the National Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030. Additionally, the Commission presented draft guidelines for opening the lower 6 Gigahertz (GHz) band for Wi-Fi 6 technology and the 60 GHz license-exempt band for multi-gigabit wireless systems.
Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, noted that the demand for spectrum is rising across the telecommunications industry. He stated that the availability of this resource is now a necessity for the country’s rapid growth and economic expansion.
“At the heart of our sector lies an essential national resource: spectrum. Spectrum may be invisible, yet it is indispensable,” Dr. Maida said in a speech delivered by Atiku Lawal, the Head of Spectrum Administration. “It powers the connectivity behind our mobile phones, our broadband connections, our satellite services, emergency communications, financial platforms, and smart technologies.”
Dr. Maida explained that every digital interaction in Nigeria, from video calls to online classrooms, relies on spectrum. However, he cautioned that this resource is finite and under pressure from data-heavy applications, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
“These innovations require more spectrum, smarter planning, and more flexible regulatory approaches,” Dr. Maida added.
The Spectrum Roadmap 2026–2030 aims to deliver faster internet speeds, wider coverage, and a more resilient communications ecosystem. By opening the 6 GHz and 60 GHz bands, the Commission is preparing the country for future data demands across homes, businesses, healthcare facilities, and public spaces. The NCC expects this move to attract significant fresh investment into the Nigerian economy.
Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services at the NCC, further commented on the need for transparency in managing these national assets. His remarks were delivered by Maigana Gidado, the Head of Fixed Networks and Converged Services.
“The way we plan, assign, and regulate spectrum will determine our nation’s ability to achieve our target, stimulate innovation, and strengthen global competitiveness,” Oshadami said.
He noted that the introduction of these new openings would lead to measurable progress in mobile broadband penetration, the continued rollout of 5G services, and a general improvement in the quality of service for subscribers nationwide.
