How GIS Transformed Nigeria’s Telecom Regulation: The NCC’s Remarkable Journey with ArcGIS 

In the heart of Nigeria’s thriving telecom industry lies a quiet transformation—one powered not by towers and cables, but by maps, data, and powerful spatial insights. 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), once reliant on traditional methods, has emerged as a beacon of innovation in telecom regulation, using cutting-edge Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to reshape its operations. At the core of this revolution? The ArcGIS platform—and the strategic support of Sambus Geospatial. 

Pre-GIS: The limitations of traditional methods

Before adopting GIS technology, the NCC faced a multiple challenges: 

• Reports were text-heavy, rarely contained maps or visualizations that could help to explain the data and support decision-making.

• Traditional tools were not scalable. Massive telecom networks infrastructure datasets were overwhelming for existing tools, hindering the Commission’s ability to evaluate data quality, ensure regulatory compliance, and identify digital exclusion groups.

• Inadequate Detection of Data Infringements: Verification of operator-submitted data was flawed, relying on manual paper methods, and random site visits. 

• Broadband coverage plans lacked geospatial grounding, leading to unrealistic goals and limited progress tracking. 

Ultimately, the NCC required a transformative shift in its approach, one that would enable data-driven decision-making, enhance regulatory oversight, and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s telecom sector.

Enter GIS: A New Lens for Telecom Oversight 

With the ArcGIS suite by Esri ArcGIS suite, the NCC began to see the telecom landscape through a new lens—one rich in context, accuracy, and insight. 

The adoption of ArcGIS Pro marked a turning point in geospatial analysis. With it, the Commission began to

• Generate unified mobile network coverage maps for all technologies (2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks). These coverage maps have become an essential resource for stakeholders and are now available online for public access.

• Map telecoms network infrastructures, including base station data, microwave links connectivity, and fibre network distribution.

• Conduct environmental impact assessment analysis using ArcGIS Pro before commissioning or decommissioning a telecom mast or tower. This analysis helps us understand the safety implications and potential digital exclusion of individuals.

• Enhance data quality assessments and improve data input and capture. The geoprocessing tool, Attribute Rules capabilities (Calculation Rule, Evaluation Rule, and Constraint Rule) and Arcade Expression Language have been invaluable in streamlining our processes in the ArcGIS Pro platform.

Behind the scenes, ArcGIS Online has enhanced the organization’s data-driven collaborations by enabling us to share and host analysis results from ArcGIS Pro. The platform’s various applications have also streamlined our workflows, allowing us to share content securely with specific individuals and groups.

With tools like ArcGIS Experience Builder – NCC could create interactive apps that integrate GIS maps, apps, and datasets into a robust platform. This enables users and customers to derive valuable insights from our datasets. We have developed two apps using Experience Builder: An Interactive Coverage Map and a Microwave Frequency Links Map.

With Survey123 – NCC created smart forms for field data verification and validation, ensuring accuracy and preventing revenue losses for the Microwave Frequency Links Network. Survey 123 has streamlined our processes, eliminating errors and saving time by replacing manual paper-based data collection with digital forms.

Dashboards – NCC created two ArcGIS dashboards: one for interactive visualization of Microwave Links, and another for Base Station deployments, showcasing details like technology, ownership, and location. These dashboards, updated quarterly, enable users to access and interact with the data dynamically, catering to their specific needs.

Field Maps empowered field engineers, analysts, and decision-makers with real-time, interactive insights.

Measurable Impact—Across Every Layer 

The results were nothing short of transformational: 

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: GIS streamlined field operations, enabled smart data collection, and improved environmental assessments during base station siting and decommissioning. 

• Smarter Planning & Policy: By integrating GIS into the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP 2020–2025), the NCC now tracks milestones effectively and sets realistic targets based on spatial analysis. 

• Revenue Protection: With GIS, the Commission conducts precise analysis of the Microwave Frequency Links Network—generating over $10 million annually—ensuring better compliance and minimizing revenue loss. 

• Stakeholder Empowerment: Dashboards and apps are now regularly used by spectrum monitoring teams, executive leadership, and even external institutions like INEC and the Central Bank of Nigeria. 

Real Stories of Real Impact 

The ripple effects have been far-reaching. During the 2019 and 2023 elections, INEC used NCC’s coverage data to allocate resources effectively to over 176,000 polling units. The Central Bank of Nigeria relied on NCC’s broadband maps to guide its financial inclusion strategies. Internal teams—once working in silos—now collaborate seamlessly, thanks to shared geospatial platforms. 

“The integration of GIS technology has been a game-changer for our organization,” said a senior NCC executive. “We’re now making data-driven decisions that drive transparency, innovation, and sustainable development.” 

What’s Next? The Future Is Geo-Intelligent 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is driving forward with its geospatial vision. Here are the key points:

• Become a global model for effective use of GIS in regulating the telecommunications sector, driving policy, regulation, and inclusion.

• Achieve universal broadband access across Nigeria, including 4G and 5G services, fueled by accurate data and intelligent mapping.

• Leverage ArcGIS, centralized geospatial governance, and advanced technologies like Geo-AI and automation to drive innovation.

Final Thoughts 

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s GIS journey is more than a case study—it’s a blueprint for innovation in regulatory governance. By embracing spatial intelligence, the NCC has redefined what’s possible in telecom oversight, ensuring that every decision is backed by data, and every Nigerian has a clearer path to connectivity. 

And this is just the beginning.