Despite heavy spending by telecom operators, only 3% of Nigeria’s internet subscribers, just over 4 million people, currently use 5G, according to new statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
NCC’s latest data shows that 4G has now become the country’s leading mobile technology, making up 44.96% of all connections. 2G follows closely at 43.53%, while 3G accounts for just 9.32%.
5G adoption, however, remains minimal.
Global 5G Momentum Grows, Africa Trails Behind
The GSMA reports that global 5G connections exceeded 1.5 billion by the end of 2023, cementing its position as the fastest-growing mobile technology ever.
For comparison:
- 3G needed 10 years to hit the same milestone
- 4G took more than five years
Looking ahead, GSMA forecasts that Africa will surpass 340 million 5G connections by 2030, representing 20% of the continent’s mobile base. Together, 4G and 5G are expected to account for nearly two-thirds of Africa’s mobile links.
The organization also projects that 5G will inject $26 billion into Africa’s economy by 2030, boosting industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.
Nigeria’s 5G Rollout Progresses Slowly
Though countries like South Africa kickstarted early 5G adoption in 2020, Nigeria’s rollout has been slower.
Of the three operators licensed to deploy 5G:
- MTN and Airtel have launched active 5G networks
- Mafab Communications has yet to roll out any infrastructure, despite staging a public launch in January 2023
This patchy rollout has contributed to weak adoption nationwide.
High Device Costs Limit 5G Uptake
One of the biggest factors slowing 5G adoption in Africa is smartphone affordability.
- 5G-enabled phones currently cost about $150 on average
- Experts say prices must fall below $50, similar to today’s 4G phones, to drive mass use
The GSMA confirms that price remains the top barrier preventing consumers from upgrading.
To address this, at MWC Kigali 2025, GSMA and top African operators introduced a proposal for minimum specs for affordable 4G devices and urged governments to remove taxes and duties on any phone priced under $100.
Removing those taxes could slash prices by up to 50%, potentially unlocking device access for the three billion Africans who still lack meaningful internet access.
Rising Operating Costs Pressure Nigerian Telcos
Telecom operators in Nigeria are also facing rising operational expenses due to:
- Heavy reliance on costly equipment from Western manufacturers
- Severe currency volatility
- Limited fibre-optic coverage
- Expensive tower upgrades
- High energy consumption
- Soaring diesel prices
- Security costs
- Costly imported hardware
The NCC reports a 50.92% surge in operating expenses in 2023 alone.
With the naira losing over 220% of its value between 2021 and 2024, telecom networks face mounting financial strain, slowing investment in next-generation infrastructure.
Infrastructure Vandalism Worsens Deployment Delays
Persistent vandalism of telecom sites continues to disrupt services and inflate costs, creating additional setbacks for operators working to expand 5G networks.
Nigeria’s 5G ambitions remain strong, but adoption is hindered by high device prices, expensive infrastructure, economic instability, and rampant vandalism. Without coordinated policy intervention and industry support, the country risks missing out on the full benefits of next-generation connectivity.
