The nation’s telecom landscape no doubt is buzzing with the rollout of 5G networks, while 6G and 7G are already on the horizon. For this reason the NCC has unveiled a draft Spectrum Roadmap for 2026-2030, aimed at expanding broadband access, driving investment, creating jobs, and strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.

*A Strategic Blueprint for Digital Growth*

The roadmap is designed to provide a forward-looking framework that instills investor confidence, encourages innovation, and ensures quality communication services across the country. The NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized that spectrum is a critical national resource underpinning mobile connectivity, broadband services, satellite communications, emergency networks, financial platforms, and smart technologies.

*Key Initiatives*
In its effort at powering a digital revolution in the country, the NCC has implemented several key initiatives such as :
– *5G Expansion*:
5G is already live in Nigeria, with MTN and Mafab Communications leading the charge. However, coverage is still limited, with a 55.4% gap in Lagos and 47.4% in Abuja. Despite this, 5G subscribers have reached 5.7 million, with projections expecting 10 million users by 2027.
The NCC is working with operators like MTN, Airtel, and Mafab Communications to expand 5G services beyond major cities, aiming to cover at least 60% of the population by 2026.
*Opening the lower 6GHz and 60GHz spectrum bands* : This move,it is believed, will provide new capacity for high-speed, affordable, and reliable connectivity, particularly for Wi-Fi in homes, schools, businesses, and public spaces.
*Infrastructure Sharing*: The NCC is introducing flexible licensing models and encouraging infrastructure sharing among telecom companies as a way of reducing duplication of network assets and accelerate rollout timelines.

*Driving Digital Inclusion*
The NCC’s efforts are aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring that Nigeria’s digital growth is inclusive, sustainable, and in alignment with national development priorities. The commission is also working to improve network quality, reduce deployment costs, and accelerate the transition to a digitally driven economy.

Dr. Aminu Maida giving insight to the release of the Q4 2025 Network , Performance Reports recently, said the exercise is a reflection of the NCC’s commitment to transparent, data-driven regulation and the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
“Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians across cities, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones.” He added.

*Investment and Growth*
According to the NCC helmsman, ” Data in the Q4 2025 Network , Performance Report shows clear and steady improvements in network quality, particularly in median download speeds across both urban and rural areas, especially when compared to Q3 performance. Notably, the video Quality of Experience gap between urban and rural areas has narrowed, and the strength of our 4G backbone continues to improve.”

– *Investment Opportunities*:
– We are actively engaging with operators to address these issues, including investments l gaps and gaps in mobile service coverage. The NCC is encouraging investments in rural areas, with satellite-based Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology, thus bridging connectivity gaps.

Again, Màida revealed that over $1 billion in industry investment was Achieved in 2025, resulting in deployment of more than 2,850 new sites to expand both coverage and capacity nationwide. Much of the progress reflected in Q4 reports, he added, is a direct outcome of these investments.
The NCC’s regulatory reforms are expected to drive further growth, with the sector poised to contribute 22% to Nigeria’s GDP by 2027.

*6G: The Future is Near*
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is assessing opportunities and risks in 6G deployment as it promises speeds up to 1 terabit per second, 100 times faster than 5G – highlighting potential benefits like faster speeds, reduced latency, and innovative applications. Commercial rollout is expected around 2030.

*Looking Ahead*

As Nigeria positions itself for a digital revolution, the NCC’s proactive approach to spectrum management and infrastructure development will be crucial in driving growth, innovation, and digital inclusivity. It is without gainsaying that 5G, 6G, and 7G can revolutionise Nigeria’s digital economy, enhancing e-commerce, mobile banking, and education. However, Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure needs significant upgrades to support either 5G, 6G or 7G.