NCC Unveils Roadmap to Close Nigeria’s Digital Divide, Targets Rural Connectivity Boost

NCC Unveils Roadmap to Close Nigeria’s Digital Divide, Targets Rural Connectivity Boost

Bridging Nigeria’s persistent digital divide has become a top priority in the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) new strategic vision, with renewed focus on extending broadband access to rural and underserved communities. This direction is outlined in the Draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030), released Monday in line with the Commission’s mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.

The roadmap highlights the stark contrast between Nigeria’s urban digital growth and the continued neglect of remote regions. While major cities have recorded strong gains in broadband penetration and mobile internet adoption, vast rural and semi-urban areas remain poorly connected due to high deployment costs, difficult terrain, sparse populations and low commercial incentives for operators.

To reverse this trend, the NCC proposes a strategic shift toward spectrum bands and technologies that enable wide-area, cost-efficient coverage. A key element is the prioritisation of low-frequency bands such as 450 MHz and 600 MHz, which can cover larger geographic areas with fewer base stations, reducing rollout costs and improving viability in rural communities.

The Commission also plans a significant expansion of satellite and non-terrestrial networks, including Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) systems, to deliver broadband to hard-to-reach, riverine, mountainous and conflict-affected regions where traditional infrastructure remains challenging.