By Juliet Umeh
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector has attracted over $75 billion in infrastructure investment since its liberalisation in 2001, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has disclosed.
The commission made this known in its Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector 2026–2030, a policy document designed to strengthen regulatory clarity and guide the efficient allocation and utilisation of spectrum resources across the country.
According to the NCC, the roadmap, issued in line with the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, outlines short, medium and long-term plans to ensure optimal spectrum management and support the country’s growing digital economy.
Providing a historical perspective, the commission said the sector’s transformation was driven by the National Communications Policy of 2000, which opened up the industry to competition and private sector participation.
It stated: “The liberalisation of the sector in January 2001, through the licensing of private telecom operators and spectrum auctions, marked the beginning of rapid connectivity expansion across Nigeria.
“Early spectrum auctions, particularly those conducted in 2001 and 2007, were highly competitive and demonstrated strong investor confidence in a newly liberalised market.
“These auctions laid the foundation for 2G and 3G network expansion, significantly improving access and affordability of telecom services nationwide.”
The commission added that later auctions in 2014 and 2016 reflected a more mature market, with operators adopting selective participation strategies, driven by efficiency and capital optimisation.
Describing the 3.5 GHz auction held between 2021 and 2022 as a turning point, the NCC said it marked Nigeria’s transition to 5G services and set a benchmark for future spectrum assignments.
Beyond auctions, the commission noted: “Administrative assignments, spectrum refarming and reallocations have enabled seamless migration from legacy networks to 4G and 5G technologies.
“These interventions have sustained service quality, enabled operators to optimise their assets and strengthened long-term investment stability across the telecom ecosystem,” it said.
However, the NCC acknowledged challenges arising from uneven spectrum distribution among operators, resulting in disparities in network capacity and underutilisation in some frequency bands.
“This underscores the need for a more strategic and forward-looking spectrum management framework that promotes equitable access and aligns with Nigeria’s broadband and digital inclusion goals,” the commission added.
NCC further revealed that about 12.5 GHz of spectrum had been allocated since deregulation, supporting growth not only in telecommunications but also in sectors such as finance, healthcare, education and e-commerce.
Citing the GSMA Nigeria Digital Economy Report 2024, it noted: “The telecom sector contributes over N33 trillion to the economy and is projected to grow to N83 trillion by 2030.
“The true value of spectrum lies in its multiplier effect, enhancing productivity and efficiency across critical sectors of the economy,” it said.
The commission added that the new roadmap would prioritise universal access, promote market-driven investment, enhance service quality and foster innovation.
“The goal is to build an inclusive, resilient and digitally advanced Nigeria where all citizens have access to reliable and affordable broadband services,” NCC stated.
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