Nigeria’s 5G connections climbed to 4 million by December 2024, according to new data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Despite this growth, 5G still accounts for just 2.46% of the country’s total active mobile subscriptions, which stood at 164.6 million at the end of the year.
MTN, Airtel, and Mafab Communications have rolled out 5G services, but high device costs and economic challenges have slowed adoption. The rising costs of smartphones, particularly 5G-compatible devices, have limited uptake, as inflation and currency devaluation continue to strain consumer spending.
While 5G expansion faces hurdles, 4G has emerged as Nigeria’s dominant mobile network. NCC data shows that by the end of 2024, 4G accounted for 47.20% of all mobile connections, surpassing 2G, which dropped to 41.59%. 3G remained at 8.75%, as operators continued to support older technologies for users with non-4G or 5G devices.
Although MTN, Airtel, and Mafab have deployed 5G infrastructure in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, the high cost of 5G smartphones has discouraged many from upgrading.
Former MTN Nigeria Chief Technical Officer, Mohammed Rufai, noted that device compatibility issues are why operators continue supporting 2G and 3G networks. “Many subscribers in Nigeria still use 2G and 3G devices, and we must cater to their needs,” he stated.
The challenge isn’t unique to Nigeria. A 2023 International Telecommunications Union (ITU) report found that 5G coverage in Africa was the lowest globally, at just 6%.
MTN launched Nigeria’s first 5G network in September 2022, followed by Airtel in June 2023. Mafab Communications secured its 5G license alongside MTN but only started service in late 2023.
MTN initially launched 5G in seven cities—Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, Owerri, and Maiduguri—and is expanding nationwide. Airtel rolled out 5G in Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, and Ogun, with plans to expand to six more states. Mafab, which started its rollout in Abuja, has committed to expanding coverage to six cities in its first phase.
