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Nigeria’s 5G rollout remains slow, with subscriptions standing at 3.17 per cent as of August 2025, while 4G accounts for 51.22 per cent of total mobile connections.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), 2G still represents between 38 and 40 per cent of subscriptions, while 3G usage continues to decline.
The NCC data show that 4G remains the backbone of Nigeria’s digital economy, driven by broader device compatibility, wider coverage and relatively affordable data pricing.
Meanwhile, mobile network operators including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2 have prioritised expanding 4G infrastructure to meet rising demand for streaming, fintech, e-commerce and remote work services.
Despite ongoing investments, 5G penetration remains limited due to high device costs, foreign exchange volatility and infrastructure gaps.
According to Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, the company’s accelerated rollout aims to connect the top 20 cities to high-speed 5G within the coming year.
Industry stakeholders maintain that 4G will continue to dominate in the medium term, even as operators deepen 5G deployment in major commercial hubs such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Ibadan.
