The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a comprehensive spectrum roadmap aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation and supporting a projected N83 trillion from the telecommunications sector to the national economy by 2030.

The roadmap, spanning 2026 to 2030, showcases the Commission’s strategy for the assignment, allocation and efficient utilisation of radio frequency spectrum, including mobile networks, broadband internet, satellite services and emerging technologies such as 5G and the Internet of Things (IoT).

According to the Commission, “the plan provides a structured framework to ensure that spectrum resources are managed strategically to drive innovation, expand broadband connectivity and stimulate investment in the communications sector”.

The NCC stated that recent valuation from the GSMA Nigeria Digital Economy Report 2024, had put the telecommunications sector’s current contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product at over N33 trillion, with projections indicating that the figure could rise up to N83 trillion by 2030.

The Commission explained that the roadmap was designed to position spectrum as a critical enabler of economic growth and digital development across key sectors of the economy.

“Spectrum; the range of invisible radio frequencies that carry wireless signals is the foundation of modern digital infrastructure, enabling everything from mobile voice and broadband internet to satellite communications and emerging innovations like 5G and IoT,” NCC stated.

Since the liberalisation of Nigeria’s telecom sector more than two decades ago, the country has allocated about 12.5 gigahertz of spectrum across terrestrial and satellite bands, attracting over $75 billion in telecom infrastructure investment.

These investments, the Commission said, have helped drive growth beyond telecommunications by enabling financial inclusion, e-commerce, telemedicine, digital governance and other technology-driven services.

Data cited in the roadmap shows that the communications sector contributed 9.2 per cent to Nigeria’s GDP after rebasing in the second quarter of 2025, while broadband penetration stood at 50.58 per cent as of November 2025. Teledensity also reached 81.84 per cent, indicating sustained growth despite the disconnection of millions of SIM cards following the enforcement of the National Identification Number linkage policy.

The spectrum plan is aligned with national digital development initiatives such as the National Broadband Plan and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, both aimed at expanding connectivity and strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy.