NCC Unveils Spectrum Plan to Drive N83tr Digital Economy by 2030

NCC Unveils Spectrum Plan to Drive N83tr Digital Economy by 2030

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

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

The roadmap, covering 2026 to 2030, outlines the Commission’s strategy for the assignment, allocation and efficient utilisation of radio frequency spectrum the invisible infrastructure that powers wireless communications, 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 noted that recent estimates from the GSMA Nigeria Digital Economy Report 2024 put the telecommunications sector’s current contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product at over N33 trillion, with projections indicating the figure could rise to N83 trillion by 2030 as broadband penetration, digital services and network investments expand.

The Commission explained that the roadmap is therefore 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,” the Commission 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.

A major focus of the plan is expanding broadband access to rural and underserved areas. According to data from the Universal Service Provision Fund, about 87 clusters of unserved and underserved communities, affecting roughly 23 million Nigerians, have been identified across the country.

“By 2030, we envision a Nigeria where spectrum has enabled universal high-speed broadband access, powered inclusive digital innovation across sectors, and strengthened national security, public safety and emergency communications,” the Commission added.

The NCC said the roadmap is built around four strategic pillars — bridging the digital divide, enabling market-driven investment, improving quality of experience for consumers and promoting innovation.

The roadmap was issued under the powers granted to the Commission by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which empowers it to license and manage spectrum for the communications sector.

According to the NCC, effective implementation of the roadmap will help position Nigeria as one of Africa’s leading digital economies by the end of the decade.