Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals that 5G growth in Nigeria reached 4 million connections by December 2024. This accounts for 2.46% of the nation’s total active telephone subscriptions, which stood at 164.6 million.
Three telecom operators—MTN, Airtel, and Mafab Communications—are leading the charge in rolling out 5G services across the country.
Challenges Slowing 5G Adoption
While 5G growth in Nigeria shows promise, several factors have hindered rapid adoption. High device costs remain a significant barrier. Many Nigerians cannot afford 5G-enabled smartphones, which are more expensive than 2G, 3G, and even 4G devices.
Additionally, rising inflation and the devaluation of the Nigerian currency have slowed down investments in 5G infrastructure. These economic challenges affect telecom operators’ ability to expand services quickly.
4G Leads While 5G Expands Slowly
In 2024, 4G became the dominant network technology in Nigeria, accounting for 47.20% of all mobile connections. Meanwhile, 2G, once the most widely used technology, dropped to 41.59%.
Though 5G offers superior speed and performance, its adoption is slow compared to 4G. The NCC data underscores that most Nigerians still rely on older technologies.
Device Compatibility: A Major Constraint
Telecom operators continue to maintain their 2G and 3G networks due to device limitations. According to MTN Nigeria’s former Chief Technical Officer, many subscribers still use 2G and 3G devices. This makes it necessary for operators to balance investments in legacy networks while promoting 5G growth in Nigeria.
5G in Major Cities
Despite these challenges, 5G services are now available in key cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. MTN launched its 5G network in 2022, followed by Airtel in 2023. Mafab Communications began selling its 5G routers later in 2023.
What the Future Holds
As device prices drop and infrastructure expands, 5G growth in Nigeria is expected to accelerate. Telecom operators are working to make the technology accessible to more Nigerians, ensuring a brighter future for connectivity in the country.
