Nigeria’s NCC Makes NTN and D2D Connectivity National Priorities
Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), released its Draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025–2030) on December 26th, a strategic framework designed to steer the nation’s radio spectrum allocation and technology adoption over the next five years.
While the roadmap covers a broad range of spectrum management issues, two of the most interesting developments are its embrace of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) and Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity, which could reshape how millions of Nigerians get stay connected.
The roadmap positions NTNs as a core part of Nigeria’s digital future, particularly for areas that traditional networks struggle to reach such as remote rural communities, riverine regions, and border outposts. Under the draft plan, the regulator signals that spectrum policies will evolve to support satellite-enabled mobile services, enabling a much broader set of connectivity options for operators and users alike.
For the first time, D2D is formally incorporated into Nigeria’s national network planning, allowing standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites as part of a hybrid terrestrial-satellite model. The roadmap supports Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) and enables spectrum-sharing arrangements between mobile operators and satellite providers, positioning D2D as both a coverage and resiliency solution.
The policy direction follows recent African D2D announcements such as South African operator Vodacom’s partnership with Starlink, announced in November. Public consultations are expected in early 2026, with pilot D2D deployments targeted for mid-year.