Nigeria Spectrum Roadmap Summary (2026 – 2030)
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), under the oversight of the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), has established a strategic spectrum roadmap for 2026 – 2030. This plan outlines the transition toward next-generation technologies, focusing on the refarming of legacy bands and the release of new spectrum to support 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and broadband expansion. The roadmap aligns primarily with ITU-R radio regulations while maintaining the authority to prioritize national interests in specific frequency assignments.
Mobile and IMT Frequency Allocations
Nigeria is significantly expanding its terrestrial IMT spectrum supply, targeting an increase from 1.07 GHz to approximately 3.8 GHz by 2030. Key bands for cellular and mobile data services include the following:
Low-Band (< 1 GHz): The 700 MHz and 800 MHz bands have been repurposed for mobile services. The 600 MHz band (specifically 614–698 MHz) is slated for assignment to support rural broadband and 5G coverage, requiring the relocation of incumbent broadcasters. Steps are also being taken to make the 450 MHz band available.
Mid-Band (1 – 7 GHz): Existing assignments include the 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, and 3.5 GHz (3.4 – 3.8 GHz) bands. New focus areas include the L-band (1427 – 1518 MHz) for enhanced mobile broadband and the 3.3 – 3.4 GHz band, which will be cleared of incumbent users for countrywide mobile use.
High-Band (mmWave): The 26 GHz band is prioritized for licensing between 2026 and 2028 to support 5G densification, fixed wireless access (FWA), and enterprise networks. The Q/V bands and E-band (71–76 / 81–86 GHz) are also identified for high-capacity data transmission.
Unlicensed Spectrum and Short-Range Devices (SRD)
The roadmap introduces specific frameworks for unlicensed and shared spectrum use to foster innovation in local networking and multigigabit systems:
WiFi-6 and 60 GHz: Regulatory guidelines are being finalized for the use of the lower 6 GHz band (5925 – 6425 MHz) for WiFi-6 and the 60 GHz band for multigigabit systems.
Upper 6 GHz Band: The 6425–7125 MHz range is earmarked for IMT/5G, with licensing instruments expected by 2027.
Dynamic Spectrum Access: The Commission is adopting a database-driven approach to spectrum management to facilitate dynamic sharing and protect incumbent users while allowing secondary access for newer technologies.
Satellite and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
To address connectivity gaps in underserved regions, the roadmap prioritizes Satellite Direct-to-Device (D2D) communications and NTN services within the 694–2700 MHz bands. This involves the development of frameworks for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) systems and High-Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS) to provide mobile backhaul and emergency communications.
Technical Requirements and Coordination
Technology Neutrality: Nigeria maintains a policy of technology neutrality, allowing operators to deploy technologies of their choice within allocated bands, provided they meet technical standards.
Harmonization and Coordination: While generally following ITU-R harmonized bands, the roadmap emphasizes the requirement for cross-border coordination with neighboring states, particularly for the 600 MHz band, to mitigate potential interference.
Microwave Backhaul: Fixed service deployments in the 7 GHz to 80 GHz ranges must adhere to specific ITU-R channel plans (e.g., ITU-R F.387-12 for 11 GHz and ITU-R F.2006 for 70/80 GHz) to ensure infrastructure resilience.
Spectrum Audits: Periodic audits are scheduled for bands like 700 MHz and 2.3 GHz to identify underutilization and opportunities for refarming or secondary market trading.
Regulatory Evolution
This roadmap (2026 – 2030) effectively facilitates the update of the Nigerian National Frequency Allocation Table (NFAT). It introduces a General Authorization (GA) Framework and Regulatory Sandboxes to allow for Proof-of-Concept (PoC) trials for emerging technologies before formal licensing frameworks are fully established.
