Only 3% of Nigerian Internet Users Are on 5G Despite Major Investments — NCC, GSMA Reveal Key Barriers
Despite significant investments by Nigeria’s telecom operators, only 3% of the country’s internet subscribers—just over 4 million users—currently use 5G, according to new data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The NCC reports that 4G has now overtaken 2G as Nigeria’s dominant mobile technology, accounting for 44.96% of subscriptions. 2G follows with 43.53%, while 3G stands at 9.32%.
Meanwhile, 5G adoption remains extremely low.
Global 5G Growth Surges While Africa Lags Behind
A recent GSMA report shows that 5G connections worldwide surpassed 1.5 billion by the end of 2023, making it the fastest-growing mobile broadband technology in history.
For context:
- 3G took 10 years to reach the same milestone
- 4G took over 5 years
GSMA projects that Africa will reach more than 340 million 5G connections by 2030, representing 20% of all mobile links. Combined, 4G and 5G are expected to make up nearly two-thirds of the continent’s total mobile connections.
The report also estimates that 5G will add $26 billion to Africa’s economy by the end of the decade, driving growth in retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and other key sectors.
Nigeria’s Slow 5G Rollout
Since Vodacom and MTN launched the first major 5G networks in South Africa in 2020, expansion across Africa has been steady but slow.
Nigeria has licensed three operators to launch 5G. However:
- MTN and Airtel are the only operators offering 5G service nationwide
- Mafab Communications has failed to roll out its network or deploy a single mast, despite a public launch event in January 2023
This limited rollout has contributed to Nigeria’s sluggish growth in 5G adoption.
Device Affordability Remains a Major Barrier
A central challenge affecting 5G uptake in Africa is smartphone affordability.
- 5G-enabled devices currently average around $150 across African markets
- For mass adoption, experts say prices must drop below $50, similar to current 4G handset prices
The GSMA confirms affordability as the biggest barrier preventing consumers from migrating to 5G. While prices are falling gradually, 5G phones still cost significantly more than 2G, 3G, and 4G devices.
At MWC Kigali 2025, GSMA and major African operators launched a continent-wide initiative proposing minimum specifications for affordable 4G smartphones, urging governments to eliminate taxes and duties on devices priced under $100.
Removing these levies could cut handset prices by up to 50%, expanding access to the three billion Africans who still lack meaningful connectivity.
High Operating Costs Threaten Telecom Expansion
Beyond device costs, telcos face mounting financial pressures.
Network equipment is sourced primarily from a small group of Western suppliers, making acquisition expensive and highly vulnerable to currency fluctuations.
In Nigeria, the cost of network rollout is further burdened by:
- Insufficient fibre infrastructure
- Expensive tower upgrades
- Heavy power requirements
- Escalating diesel prices
- Rising security expenses
- High cost of imported equipment
According to the NCC, industry-wide operating expenses jumped 50.92% in 2023 alone.
The naira’s depreciation of over 220% between 2021 and 2024 has magnified the strain on operators, making expansion more costly and slowing infrastructure investment.
Vandalism Deepens the Sector’s Financial Pain
The situation is worsened by persistent vandalism of telecom infrastructure, which leads to service disruptions, costly repairs, and additional security spending. This further delays 5G deployment and undermines network reliability.
Nigeria’s 5G journey remains full of potential, but significant structural challenges, affordability, infrastructure costs, economic instability, and vandalism continue to slow adoption. Without urgent policy intervention and industry collaboration, the country risks falling behind in the global digital economy.
