Joseph Bakare
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has outlined its regulatory vision for the management and allocation of radio frequency spectrum between 2025 and 2030.
This is contained in released draft National Spectrum Roadmap by the Agency.
Issued in pursuant to the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the document provides a strategic framework for planning spectrum resources in line with Nigeria’s broadband, digital economy, and innovation objectives.
The Commission emphasised that the roadmap is a consultative document and does not constitute legal, investment, or licensing advice.
According to local media reports, the NCC roadmap is intended to enhance regulatory predictability, promote efficient spectrum utilisation, and align national policy with international best practices as demand for wireless services continues to grow.
The NCC has also invited submissions from operators, government agencies, broadcasters, satellite service providers, equipment manufacturers, and other stakeholders, noting that feedback received during the consultation process will inform the final policy direction.
It also identified structural imbalances in Nigeria’s spectrum landscape, stemming from historical allocation patterns since the liberalisation of the telecommunications sector in 2001.
The draft Spectrum Roadmap reviews successive spectrum assignments that enabled the rollout of second- to fifth-generation mobile networks. While these allocations helped drive rapid network expansion and private investment, the Commission noted that cumulative assignments over time have resulted in uneven spectrum holdings across operators.
In some bands, spectrum concentration has created capacity advantages for certain licensees, while other frequencies remain underutilised. The NCC said this imbalance poses challenges for competition, service quality, and long-term efficiency.
To address these concerns, the Commission is proposing enhanced spectrum audits, improved planning mechanisms, and a stronger secondary market framework to encourage optimal use of assigned frequencies.