Airtel to Accelerate 5G Rollout in Nigeria as Data Demand Soars
Airtel Nigeria is set to fast-track its 5G network rollout across the country in response to surging data consumption and increased digital connectivity needs. The telecom giant is investing heavily in infrastructure and partnerships to boost 5G accessibility and bridge Nigeria’s connectivity gap.
Speaking at a media roundtable in Lagos, Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, affirmed the company’s commitment to rapidly expanding its 5G network coverage in the coming months.
“Over the next few months, we will roll out 5G network much more rapidly, that I can assure you,” Balsingh stated.
5G Penetration Remains Low — But Not For Long
Despite Airtel, MTN, and Mafab holding 5G licenses, Nigeria’s 5G penetration stood at just 3.07% as of June 2025, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Airtel aims to change that with increased investment in fibre and high-capacity infrastructure to drive widespread adoption.
Lagos Leads the Surge in Data Usage
Balsingh noted that cities like Lagos are experiencing an “explosion” in data usage due to urbanisation, mobile-first lifestyles, and digital transformation.
“At Airtel, we recognise that data is the new oxygen. That’s why we’re investing heavily in 5G and fibre to build a smart, scalable network that can carry the weight of Nigeria’s digital future,” he said.
He emphasised that beyond fast internet, Airtel’s 5G expansion is meant to empower education, healthcare, commerce, and innovation.
Addressing the Device Accessibility Gap
A major barrier to 5G adoption is the lack of affordable 5G-enabled smartphones. Balsingh highlighted the company’s partnership efforts with device manufacturers to reduce the cost of entry and improve access for Nigerians.
“Rolling out the network is important, but it’s just as crucial to ensure that consumers have access to 5G-enabled phones,” Balsingh noted.
He explained that 5G is not just about infrastructure but about an ecosystem where devices and networks must work hand-in-hand.
Nigeria’s Current Network Landscape
According to NCC data from June 2025:
- 4G penetration is at 50.80%
- 2G connections still account for 38.47% of mobile users
- Most operators, including Airtel, have achieved near-100% 4G coverage, with few exceptions in remote areas
However, device affordability remains a significant roadblock to accessing high-speed networks.
Looking Ahead: Affordable Devices + Infrastructure = Growth
With ongoing telco-manufacturer collaborations and device financing initiatives, analysts believe Nigeria’s 5G penetration will improve steadily. Airtel’s planned 5G expansion could catalyse digital inclusion and economic transformation.
Stay tuned as Airtel ramps up 5G deployment and leads Nigeria into a next-gen connectivity era.
