NCC blames absence of roadmap for gaps in spectrum planning

Telecom sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has identified the absence of a cohesive national spectrum roadmap for existing gaps in spectrum holdings and effective long-term planning which has stunted the industry’s growth.  

According to a Draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025 – 2030), the regulator noted that since liberalization, Nigeria has allocated approximately 12.5 gigahertz (GHz) of spectrum (across terrestrial and satellite bands), enabling over $75 billion in telecom infrastructure investment.

“These investments have spurred growth far beyond the sector—supporting financial inclusion, e-commerce, telemedicine, e-government services, and broader digital transformation.

“Despite these achievements, the absence of a cohesive national Spectrum Roadmap has left gaps in spectrum holdings and effective long-term planning. With digital technologies now central to every sector—agriculture, health, education, manufacturing, logistics, and trade—a forward-looking spectrum management plan is imperative,” the Commission said.

The Roadmap, it said, is developed to build on the current foundation while charting a course to meet future data and broadband demands in line with Nigeria’s 2030 ambition for universal connectivity, inclusive digital innovation, and a globally competitive digital economy.

The document envisions that by 2030, spectrum in Nigeria would have enabled universal, high-speed broadband access across urban and rural areas; powered inclusive digital innovation across health, education, agriculture, and commerce; strengthened national security, public safety, and emergency communications; and positioned Nigeria as a top-tier digital economy in Africa and a model for spectrum governance globally.

Linking spectrum to broader economic transformation, the document noted that the transformative impact of spectrum extends far beyond telecommunications.

These past investments—though made without a formal roadmap—have yielded substantial socio-economic returns across multiple sectors.

With digital infrastructure now deeply embedded in how governments deliver services, how businesses operate and how citizens interact with the economy, the role of spectrum has become foundational to national development.

The Commission noted that recent estimates put the telecom sector’s total contribution to GDP at over ₦33 trillion, underpinned by rising broadband penetration, expanded network coverage, and increased digital inclusion.

“But the true impact of spectrum lies in its multiplier effect across the broader economy—enhancing productivity, access, and efficiency in sectors ranging from agriculture and manufacturing to trade, healthcare, and governance,” the Commission said, adding that Nigeria has already seen improved efficiencies in financial inclusion, use of digital technology for voter registrations and others.

It put infrastructure investment to be over $75billion; internet usage +1,000,000 TB; broadband coverage +80per cent Mobile subscribers +170million; and internet subscribers +200k

“Furthermore, studies have shown that digitization of other sectors through the use of wireless services will have a similar positive impact on efficiency, effectiveness and reach of public services,” the Commission noted.

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