The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially triggered a transformative phase for the nation’s telecommunications sector, announcing a high-level Public Inquiry aimed at finalizing the regulatory frameworks that will underpin Nigeria’s digital economy through 2030. In a move that signals a significant shift toward ultra-high-speed connectivity, the Commission is opening the floor for stakeholder discourse on the Spectrum Roadmap 2025–2030, alongside groundbreaking guidelines for the 60 GHz and lower 6 GHz bands. This regulatory intervention is designed to alleviate spectrum congestion and pave the way for Multi-Gigabit Wireless Systems, particularly in high-density commercial and tech clusters like the Computer Village in Ikeja, where the demand for seamless bandwidth is reaching a critical threshold for both retailers and consumers.
Central to this initiative is the Spectrum Roadmap 2025–2030, a strategic document that prioritizes bridging the digital divide and fostering market-driven investments to support emerging technologies such as 5G, satellite-to-device connectivity, and the Internet of Things (IoT). By introducing guidelines for the 60 GHz “V-Band” and the lower 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi 6, the NCC is positioning Nigeria to leverage license-exempt frequencies that offer fiber-like speeds wirelessly. These advancements are expected to be a game-changer for hardware importers and tech practitioners on the ground, ensuring that the latest routers and wireless devices entering the Nigerian market meet global standards while providing consumers with unprecedented data throughput.
Nnenna Ukoha, the Head of the Public Affairs Department at the NCC, emphasized the importance of this collaborative approach in a statement released today. “Our commitment at the Commission is to create a regulatory environment that not only anticipates technological shifts but actively enables them. By refining the guidelines for the 60 GHz and 6 GHz bands, we are ensuring that the digital infrastructure supporting Nigeria’s growth is both resilient and globally competitive. This Public Inquiry is a vital platform for stakeholders to contribute to a roadmap that will drive innovation, enhance consumer experience, and solidify Nigeria’s standing as a leader in the African digital landscape,” Ukoha stated. She further noted that the inclusion of the lower 6 GHz band specifically targets the growing need for high-bandwidth, low-latency applications in homes and offices, which is essential for the next decade of economic expansion.
The inquiry, conducted under the mandate of Section 58 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, is scheduled to take place virtually from January 19 to 20, 2026. This two-day event will serve as a formal forum for industry players, hardware manufacturers, and tech enthusiasts to provide critical feedback on the draft frameworks. With the digital economy already contributing significantly to Nigeria’s GDP, the NCC’s proactive management of these frequency resources is seen as a cornerstone for reaching the nation’s 2030 broadband penetration goals. Stakeholders are encouraged to join the virtual session via the Commission’s official portal to ensure that the final regulations reflect the practical needs of Nigeria’s diverse technological ecosystem.
ANTHONY EMEKA NWOSU