Nigeria is accelerating the shutdown of legacy 3G networks as telecom operators intensify investments in faster 4G and 5G infrastructure, while the country simultaneously strengthens its role as a regional Internet traffic hub through a new partnership with China Mobile International Limited (CMI).

Fresh data from a first-quarter 2026 telecom sector review conducted by Ookla for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that mobile operators are rapidly retiring the 900MHz 3G spectrum band and reallocating resources to 4G frequencies on the 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands.

The transition is expected to improve connectivity nationwide, especially in underserved rural communities where slow Internet speeds have long limited access to digital services such as online learning, financial technology platforms, and remote work tools.

According to the report, MTN and Airtel are leading the migration away from 3G, significantly reducing dependence on outdated spectrum infrastructure as part of broader network modernisation efforts.

Industry statistics showed that as of the first quarter of 2026, 4G accounted for 53.76 per cent of network penetration in Nigeria, followed by 2G at 36.74 per cent, 3G at 5.30 per cent, and 5G at 4.20 per cent.

However, NCC Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, recently disclosed in Lagos that 5G penetration has already climbed to about 14 per cent, with active usage estimated at five per cent nationwide.

The report identified the n77 spectrum band (3.5GHz) as the backbone of Nigeria’s 5G expansion, delivering speeds estimated to be up to 10 times faster than conventional 4G services.

Since late 2025, 5G test volumes have reportedly surged by 44 per cent, driven largely by Airtel and MTN deployments.

In major cities such as Lagos and Abuja, Internet download speeds now exceed 250Mbps in some locations, significantly improving experiences for streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and enterprise connectivity.

The NCC also urged consumers to adopt devices compatible with the n77 band to fully utilise the benefits of 5G technology.

Despite the rapid urban rollout, the report noted that some rural states, including Sokoto and Imo, still rely heavily on 3G infrastructure. However, ongoing migration to 4G networks is steadily narrowing the digital divide.

The regulator described the transition as critical to achieving digital inclusion and ensuring that high-speed Internet access becomes available beyond urban centres.

For basic services such as calls, messaging, social media, and payments, 4G remains Nigeria’s dominant network standard. However, the report noted that 5G is increasingly becoming the preferred option for bandwidth-intensive activities such as cloud computing, gaming, and remote work.

Ookla’s findings further showed the speed of the ongoing transition in northern Nigeria. In Sokoto State, MTN’s reliance on 3G reportedly dropped from 80 per cent in September 2025 to 29 per cent by February 2026, while Airtel’s 3G dependence fell from 71 per cent to 25 per cent within the same period.

The report stated that Nigeria’s spectrum transition represents more than a technical upgrade, describing it as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and broader digital participation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Internet infrastructure ecosystem received an international boost after the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) announced that China Mobile International Limited (CMI) has joined its peering fabric.

The development allows CMI, the global subsidiary of China Mobile Limited, to exchange Internet traffic locally within Nigeria through IXPN’s infrastructure.

The move is expected to reduce dependence on expensive international transit routes, improve data exchange efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional digital connectivity hub in West Africa.

IXPN described the partnership as a major milestone for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, saying businesses, Internet service providers, and users across the country would benefit from improved connectivity and faster traffic exchange.

According to IXPN, keeping more Internet traffic within Nigeria will enhance digital sovereignty, lower operational costs for service providers, and improve performance for latency-sensitive applications including cloud services, video conferencing, streaming platforms, and AI-powered technologies.

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Economic activities in the telecommunications industry significantly boosted the contribution of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector to Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as the sector added 10.07 per cent in 2025.

This was disclosed in the fourth quarter (Q4) 2025 GDP report released on Friday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The figure represents an increase from the 9.79 per cent contribution recorded in 2024.

According to the NBS, the ICT sector, for GDP calculation purposes, comprises Telecommunications and Information Services; Publishing; Motion Picture, Sound Recording and Music Production; and Broadcasting.

Out of the total 10.07 per cent annual contribution in 2025, telecommunications alone accounted for 7.29 per cent, leaving the remaining sub-sectors with less than three per cent combined contribution.

The NBS data further showed that in the fourth quarter of 2025, the ICT sector recorded a year-on-year growth rate of 26.34 per cent. This represents an 8.37 percentage point increase compared to the 17.97 per cent growth recorded in the same quarter of 2024, and 5.46 percentage points higher than the rate recorded in the preceding quarter.

Quarter-on-quarter growth in Q4 2025 stood at 19.58 per cent. Overall, the sector’s annual growth rose to 24.96 per cent in 2025, nearly doubling the 12.68 per cent recorded in 2024.

In nominal terms, the Information and Communications sector contributed 9.19 per cent to total GDP in Q4 2025, higher than the 8.55 per cent recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2024 and above the 8.31 per cent posted in the preceding quarter.

In real terms, the sector grew by 7.55 per cent year-on-year in Q4 2025, reflecting a 0.55 percentage point increase from the same period in 2024. On a quarter-on-quarter basis, real growth stood at 18.75 per cent. Overall, the sector expanded by 6.85 per cent in 2025, compared to 5.57 per cent in 2024.

Of total real GDP, the ICT sector contributed 9.64 per cent in Q4 2025, up from 9.32 per cent in the same quarter of the previous year and 9.10 per cent in the preceding quarter.

The NBS stated that the annual contribution of 10.07 per cent recorded in 2025 marks a steady improvement from the 9.79 per cent achieved in 2024.

Industry observers attribute the strong telecom performance to deliberate regulatory efforts aimed at increasing the sector’s GDP contribution. Recently, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Commission and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy are working on policies to raise the telecom sector’s contribution to 25 per cent.

Maida noted that the sector previously achieved a 14.58 per cent contribution before GDP rebasing and expressed optimism that it could surpass 25 per cent if existing challenges are addressed.

“Myself and the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy are working very closely, looking at the right policies to ensure sustainability for an industry that has done so well for the country with 14 per cent GDP contribution. We believe we can do 25 per cent and above,” he said at a telecoms forum in Lagos.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s overall GDP grew by 4.07 per cent year-on-year in real terms in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a stronger economic expansion compared to earlier quarters.

In Q3 2025, GDP grew by 3.98 per cent year-on-year in real terms, an improvement over the 3.86 per cent recorded in the same quarter of 2024, according to the NBS report.

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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has partnered with private sector ICT firms to explore the use of adaptive regulatory sandboxes as a framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into data protection systems while promoting cross-border innovation.

This development was disclosed at a one-day workshop held in Abuja titled “Co-Creation Lab on Africa Sandboxes for AI”, which also featured the presentation of the African Sandbox Outlook report.

The workshop provided a platform to evaluate how regulatory sandboxes can serve as controlled testing environments for AI technologies, fostering data-driven innovation across Africa.

Delivering his remarks, the National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji—represented by Ms. Adaobi Nwankwo, Head of the Commission’s Innovation Unit—highlighted the importance of sandboxes in advancing responsible AI.qq

“Sandboxes aim to encourage responsible AI, foster compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), and promote trust, fairness, accountability, and transparency,” Olatunji said. “The goal is to create a competitive environment for AI developers and data scientists while addressing Africa’s unique challenges.”

He stressed that for regulatory sandboxes to be effective, they must operate within real-time legal frameworks that support rigorous testing of AI and data-based solutions.

Also speaking at the event, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida—represented by Mr. Babagana Digima, Deputy Director of New Media and Information Security—described regulatory sandboxes as key instruments for collaborative policy development.

“Sandboxes provide a controlled environment for innovators to test AI under regulatory supervision. This encourages collaborative learning, risk mitigation, and evidence-based policymaking,” he noted, adding that the NCC is aligning its sandbox initiatives with the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, the Digital Economy Policy, and the NDPA.

Principal Consultant at Kontemporary Konsulting, Dr. Jimson Olufuye, emphasized the need for greater regulatory alignment across African countries to ensure seamless data flows and AI integration. “We need to optimise data protection processes and scale products across West Africa. There’s a need for sandboxes that support cross-border interoperability and AI systems embedded with robust governance structures,” he said.

In her remarks, Ms. Morine Amutorine, Africa Lead for the Datasphere Initiative, reiterated that AI sandboxes are implementable even in countries with developing regulatory systems. She noted that sandboxes help assess the real-world impact of AI and identify regulatory gaps that may need addressing.

The African Sandbox Outlook report, presented at the workshop, underscored the growing recognition of sandboxes as essential tools for testing both regulatory and technical aspects of AI and data governance. It concluded that regulatory sandboxes are pivotal for overcoming Africa’s data governance challenges and unlocking innovation across the continent.

The event attracted stakeholders from regulatory bodies, tech firms, civil society, and academia, all unified in their commitment to shaping a future where innovation and data protection go hand in hand.

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The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMoCIDE), and the Federal Ministry of Works (FMoW),have established a Joint Standing Committee on the Protection of Fiber Optic Cables.

Reuben Muoka,Director, Public Affairs of the commission disclosed this in a statement he made available to Journalists in Abuja on Monday.

He said the move is aimed at addressing the persistent issue of fiber optic cuts and damages caused by road construction and rehabilitation activities.

According to him, hese disruptions have had a significant negative impact on telecommunications services across Nigeria.

The director recalled that the Joint Standing Committee on Protection of Fiber Optic Cables was inaugurated on Tuesday 18th February at the Boardroom of the FMoW by the Permanent Secretary, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, and his counterpart at the FMoCIDE, Engr Farouk Yusuf, with the attendance of the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.

He said:” The Committee is comprised of key staff from the two ministries and the NCC.

“The main assignment of the joint Standing Committee is to establish and maintain clear communication/co-ordination channels between the two ministries and the NCC in order to limit and prevent damage to Telecommunications Fiber Optic cables during road constructions or rehabilitation activities.

Muoka said that Adebiyi, while inaugurating the Committee, directed it to establish modalities to ensure the reduction of damage to deployed fiber optic cables resulting from road construction and maintenance activities, as well as vandalism which has caused severe incidences of service disruption across the country.

“He said the Committee will serve as a coordinating body for all issues pertaining to the protection of fiber optic cables, before, during and after the completion of road constructions or maintenance activities, and will meet on a regular basis to discuss identified problems, agree on industry-wide solutions, set standard engagement processes and procedures, as well as share monthly performance reports.

“They are also expected to develop an instant communication mechanism to facilitate prompt communication and dissemination of information amongst all stakeholders,” he said.

The director quoted the permanent secretary as assuring that going forward, the Ministry would ensure that the placement of fiber cables would be considered in the planning, design and construction of the country’s road networks, and would include providing for ducts during constructions.

“Engr. Adebiyi further stated that the committee will work closely with all Federal Controllers of Works (FCW) to give attention to the task of protecting this sensitive infrastructure during the planning and implementation stages of projects across the roads in the country, while aligning with the telecom operators on all ongoing and future projects.

“Engr. Farouk Yusuf, in his remarks, highlighted the significance of fiber optics cables to the country’s economy, stating that fiber networks are the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, enabling the seamless delivery of both fixed and mobile broadband services essential for nationwide connectivity, economic growth, and technological innovation.

“He noted that the Committee’s work is crucial to ensuring that telecommunication services are not hampered by the work of construction companies.

“The EVC/CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the significance of the Committee’s mandate, noting that it has the potential to significantly reduce service disruptions across Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

“This is a pivotal moment for the telecommunication industry and its customers. Fiber networks are the foundation of Nigeria’s broadband ecosystem, providing the essential high-capacity backhaul required to deliver ultra-fast 4G and 5G speeds, as these next-generation mobile technologies rely on fiber infrastructure to ensure low latency, high reliability, and seamless data transmission.

“Last year, we experienced over 50,000 fiber cuts incidents across the country of which around 30,000 were attributed to Federal and State Road construction activities. In the extreme, some of these incidents had led to major network outages like the February 2024 nationwide MTN network outage.

“A key contributor to the increasing number of fiber cuts attributed to road construction activities is the lack of an efficient handshake mechanism between road construction companies and operators of the fiber infrastructure.

“I am optimistic that the work of this Committee will lead to a significant reduction in fiber cuts attributed to road construction which would then reduce network outages, avoid unnecessary expenditure on repair works and reduce the need to put redundant routes in place to serve as alternatives whenever there are outages due to fiber cuts.

“This initiative is not just for the benefit of the telecommunications industry but for all Nigerians. Every time a fiber cut occurs, consumers experience service disruptions. The industry is forced to invest in costly redundancy measures, but if we can prevent these avoidable disruptions, operators can redirect resources towards network expansion and infrastructure improvement,” he stated.

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to introduce a simplified tariff structure for telecommunications operators, with a formal unveiling set for December 13, 2024. The initiative aims to streamline tariff plans, enhance transparency, and improve consumer experience across the telecommunications sector.

The announcement was made during a media interaction in Abuja by the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka.

Maida explained that the new structure would limit operators to a maximum of seven tariff plans, a move designed to address consumer concerns and clarify misconceptions about data and airtime usage.

“After extensive consultations with stakeholders, the new tariff plan will replace the initial October 27 date. This change aims to provide relief to telecom consumers and ensure transparency in data and airtime usage,” he stated.

The NCC has also launched awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the changes.

Addressing concerns about rapid data depletion,  Maida disclosed that investigations revealed variations in data consumption based on device settings and app activities, particularly on Android phones.

Strengthening Oversight

As part of its broader regulatory framework, the NCC has directed telecom operators to update their contact details with the commission by January 9, 2025. The directive aligns with the 2019 Licensing Regulations and aims to bolster oversight within the sector.

“This directive is part of the NCC’s commitment to ensuring a robust and well-regulated telecommunications industry,” said Mr. Muoka.

Non-compliance with the directive could lead to penalties, including fines, suspension, or the revocation of licenses.

Calls for Tariff Reviews

The announcement comes as the telecommunications industry grapples with rising operational costs driven by inflation and foreign exchange challenges. The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has urged the NCC to approve a 10% tariff increase to sustain operations and improve service quality.

Modupe Kadri, Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, highlighted the sector’s reliance on imported equipment and foreign exchange, emphasizing that rising costs have strained operators’ capacity to maintain efficient services.

Kadri cautioned that without a pricing review, the telecommunications industry could face a decline in investments, similar to the challenges experienced in Nigeria’s oil sector.

Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company Limited, noted that while the telecommunications sector contributes 16% to Nigeria’s GDP, there has been no tariff review since 2013. Meanwhile, the cost of goods and services in Nigeria has risen sharply.

The NCC’s tariff simplification initiative is expected to balance consumer interests with the financial sustainability of operators, fostering fair competition and encouraging investment in the sector.

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As mobile internet usage surges across Nigeria, managing data consumption has become a pressing concern for many users, JUSTICE OKAMGBA writes …

Rapid data depletion, high costs, and concerns about billing transparency have become common complaints among telecom customers in Nigeria.

The increasing reliance on mobile internet for streaming, social media, and other online activities has intensified these frustrations.

In September alone, Nigerians consumed a staggering 850,249.09 terabytes of data, underscoring the scale of the problem.

While the country’s growing digital engagement highlights significant opportunities, it also poses challenges for both the economy and the nation’s digital infrastructure.

The Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, noted that Nigerians spend an average of 4 hours and 20 minutes daily on social media—significantly higher than the global average.

He observed that while this level of digital interaction is indicative of societal transformation, it also raises concerns about affordability and sustainability.

Maida explained that Nigeria is not alone in grappling with these challenges, as other nations, such as Eswatini, are also working to address similar issues.

The advent of high-speed networks like 4G and 5G has fueled data consumption, with ultra-high-definition devices further compounding the issue.

“Viewing a photo on Instagram required just 100 kilobytes five years ago,” Maida remarked, “but with advancements in camera resolutions, the same image now consumes two to four megabytes.”

Experts and consumers alike stress the importance of consumer education to manage data consumption better. Below are key recommendations from technology professionals and experienced users.

Restrict background data usage

An Android user Hugh Rich, advised, “Restrict background data usage in apps by navigating to settings and selecting data usage.

“From there, use the three-dot menu to choose ‘restrict background data’ and specify the apps to limit. Be cautious, though—restricting data for apps like WhatsApp or email clients may delay notifications until the app is actively opened.” He also suggested turning on data saver options in browsers, like Chrome.

“In Chrome, tap the three-dot menu, go to settings, and enable the data saver option to reduce data usage when browsing.

“Additionally, always connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible; leaving Wi-Fi enabled doesn’t significantly drain the battery but saves a substantial amount of mobile data, Rich advised.

Optimise wi-fi usage

Automation specialist Tom Duggan emphasized leveraging Wi-Fi connections whenever available. “Ensure updates are configured to occur over Wi-Fi only,” Duggan explained.

“Automatic updates can quickly exhaust your data. Also, consider uninstalling apps you no longer use, and if you’re in a roaming area, switch to airplane mode to avoid unnecessary data charges.”

Reduce high-resolution streaming

A computer consultant, Lew Murray highlighted the impact of high-resolution content on data consumption.

“Watching a movie in standard resolution (480p) consumes less than 300 megabytes,” he said.

“In contrast, streaming the same film in 4K resolution can use up to 4 gigabytes. The same applies to online gaming and browsing. Opting for standard resolution where possible can make a big difference,” he wrote on Quora.

Turn off mobile data when unnecessary

Murray also recommended turning off mobile data when not in use.

“Your phone will still function for basic tasks without mobile data. Switching off mobile data when connected to Wi-Fi or during idle periods can significantly reduce consumption.”

Disable automatic updates, location tracking

A frequent traveler, simply identified as Savannah, shared her approach to saving data while on the move.

“I noticed my data usage spikes when traveling due to apps like Maps and Google Translate. To counter this, I turn off data when not in use, disable automatic updates, and ensure no apps running in the background—especially those requiring location tracking.

Savannah added that using offline tools, such as a translator device, further reduces reliance on mobile data.

Addressing broader concerns

As digital consumption continues to grow, experts stress the need for infrastructural improvements and pricing strategies to ensure data remains accessible to all.

The NCC has acknowledged the urgency of these concerns, noting that Nigeria is at a critical juncture in its digital evolution.

The commission continues to engage telecom operators to address billing transparency and explore more consumer-friendly data plans.

Maida remarked that while these efforts aim to alleviate consumer frustrations, users also have a role to play by adopting smarter data practices.

“An informed consumer is better equipped to manage data usage effectively,” he said.

Other countries facing similar challenges, such as Eswatini, provide valuable insights. By fostering collaboration between regulators, service providers, and technology innovators, Nigeria can adopt best practices to improve the affordability and efficiency of its mobile internet services.

Conclusion

The growing reliance on digital platforms in Nigeria demands proactive strategies to balance connectivity with affordability.

While technological advancements like 5G bring numerous benefits, they also necessitate greater awareness among users to prevent excessive costs.

By implementing practical tips, such as restricting background data, optimizing Wi-Fi usage, and minimizing high-resolution streaming, consumers can take control of their data consumption.

However, addressing the root causes requires collective action from stakeholders across the telecommunications sector.

As Nigeria continues its journey toward digital transformation, managing data consumption will rema

in a critical aspect of ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth for all citizens.

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The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, has highlighted severe challenges faced by telecommunications operators in Nigeria, citing frequent incidents of fibre cuts, vandalism, and theft of equipment that collectively cost billions of Naira each year.

Maida addressed these issues while delivering the keynote address at the recent launch of the Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) Protection and Resilience Workshop.

The event, organized by the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, was convened to discuss strategies for implementing President Bola Tinubu’s recent Executive Order, which designates telecom infrastructure as CNII.

“The telecom industry faces significant challenges, including frequent fibre cuts, vandalism, and theft, which cost operators billions of Naira in revenue and billions of Naira in repair expenses,”  Maida said.

He also pointed to restricted access to telecom facilities by property owners and government entities as another barrier, hindering network expansion, reducing connectivity, and impacting overall service quality.

The call for protection of telecom infrastructure as a national asset has been longstanding among industry stakeholders.

Earlier this year, Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, reiterated this appeal following a widespread internet outage caused by damage to fiber optic cables. MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecom operator, reported over 6,000 fibre cuts in 2023 alone, with relocation costs exceeding N11 billion.

Similarly, Airtel Nigeria’s CEO, Carl Cruz, recently disclosed that the telecom giant faces around 1,000 fibre cuts each month, reflecting the scale of the issue.

While this latest Executive Order signifies a renewed commitment to protecting critical infrastructure, concerns linger about the government’s capacity to enforce these directives.

In 2020, a similar declaration by former President Muhammadu Buhari, coordinated by former Communications Minister Dr. Isa Pantami, aimed to secure telecom infrastructure but ultimately had limited impact due to persistent vandalism.

With new measures now under discussion and the involvement of security agencies like the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Security Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), there is cautious optimism within the industry that the issue of infrastructure protection will receive the necessary attention and enforcement.

Whether these efforts will bring sustained improvement, however, remains to be seen as the industry grapples with infrastructure challenges that impact service delivery and increase operational costs for telecom operators across Nigeria.

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced steps to tap into the 6GHz spectrum, aiming to boost internet speed and address growing demand for high-speed connectivity across the country.

This was disclosed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, during a Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Emerging Technologies held in Lagos on Thursday.

Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner of Technical Services, Abraham Oshadami, highlighted the need for the upgrade as the existing 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands face capacity limitations.

“The deployment of the 6GHz spectrum has become necessary to enhance data rates and transmission speeds,” Maida said.

He added that Nigeria would join other nations already utilizing the 6GHz band, particularly for Wi-Fi 6 applications, which offer higher data throughput and lower latency.

The 6GHz spectrum, spanning from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, is expected to significantly increase the available bandwidth, crucial for supporting the demand for high-speed internet and emerging technologies.

Maida noted that Wi-Fi remains essential for distributing broadband connectivity in homes, businesses, and public spaces.

Similarly, Atiku Lawal, Head of Spectrum Administration at NCC, emphasized the importance of opening the 6GHz spectrum, citing that over 70 countries have already moved to adopt it for unlicensed Wi-Fi use.

Lawal explained that this move would support the implementation of Wi-Fi 6, which will accommodate advanced use cases such as high-definition video and extended reality (XR).

“The NCC’s decision will revolutionize broadband connectivity in Nigeria, offering faster, more reliable internet services and relieving capacity constraints on existing networks,” Lawal remarked.

The initiative has been welcomed by industry stakeholders, with the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, urging the federal government to support telecom operators in upgrading their infrastructure to utilize the new spectrum.

As mobile data usage continues to rise globally, the 6GHz spectrum is seen as key to unlocking faster speeds and enabling 5G advancements, positioning Nigeria for future digital transformation.

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The federal government has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nokia Solutions and Networks Nigeria. The agreement aims to impart training on cutting-edge fourth-generation (4G) and fifth-generation (5G) radio and transmission technologies to Nigerian youths.

Announcing the partnership, Aminu Maida, CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), highlighted the collaborative effort led by Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. The MoU, signed earlier this week, underscores a shared commitment to enhancing the skill sets of Nigerians to meet the demands of the evolving industry landscape.

Maida emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating, “This collaboration advances our vision to enhance the capacity and skill-set of Nigerians, by equipping them with contemporary skills and knowledge needed to adapt to the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry.

“As part of the partnership, Nokia Nigeria will establish a fully functional 5G/4G test lab, utilizing the latest radio and transmission technologies. Moreover, the company will roll out an entrepreneurship learning program designed to offer vocational training to 200 Nigerian students across all six geopolitical zones of the country.

“This initiative aligns with the broader goals of the Ministry of Communications, focusing on promoting digital literacy and nurturing technical talents nationwide. With a concerted effort towards skill development and innovation, Nigeria aims to position itself at the forefront of technological advancement in the telecommunications sector,” he added.

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In a bid to enhance service delivery and reduce costs in Nigeria’s telecom sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advocated for increased infrastructure sharing among industry players. This call was made by the Executive Vice-Chairman of the Commission, Aminu Maida, during the 2nd edition of the West African Telecoms Infrastructure Summit and Exhibition held in Lagos.

Maida emphasized the importance of partnerships between government, industry, and academia to drive innovation and development in the sector. He highlighted the capital-intensive nature of developing telecoms infrastructure and suggested exploring public-private partnerships, infrastructure funds, and innovative financing models like Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS).

Addressing the challenges faced by the industry, including uneven service distribution and infrastructural deficits, Maida underscored the need for operators to leverage emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize their networks. He also advocated for the development of smart infrastructure to support various smart city applications.

Regarding the evolution of telecom technologies, Maida noted Nigeria’s active participation in global trends with the rollout of 5G, which promises higher speeds, lower latency, and greater capacity. Looking towards the future beyond 5G, he discussed the potential of 6G, which would further enhance network capabilities and integrate AI for improved service delivery.

Maida highlighted the transformative potential of the 6G revolution across industries, including agriculture and healthcare, emphasizing the need for telecoms to adapt to the increasing number of connected devices and evolving data management strategies associated with the Internet of Things (IoT).

The NCC’s advocacy for infrastructure sharing and innovation reflects a strategic approach to addressing challenges and maximizing opportunities in Nigeria’s telecom sector, ultimately aiming to enhance service quality and promote digital innovation nationwide.

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