Simply 3% of Nigeria’s 170 million cellular customers are on 5G

Nigeria could also be Africa’s largest smartphone market, however the nation’s transition to next-generation connectivity stays gradual. Regardless of being Africa’s largest cellular market—with over 170 million lively cellular customers—solely about 3% (roughly 5 million folks) presently use 5G providers, in keeping with new information from the Nigerian Communications Fee (NCC). Whereas the nation has made progress deploying next-generation networks, the gulf between entry and adoption stays stark.

Findings from the NCC’s Nigeria Community Efficiency and 5G Alternative Evaluation, developed in partnership with international web analytics agency Ookla, present that 5G use is closely concentrated in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Even in these cities, the report highlights important protection deficits—a median 70% 5G hole in Lagos and 65.6% in Abuja—revealing how restricted true 5G availability stays.

Exterior these hubs, most Nigerians nonetheless rely upon slower 2G and 3G networks, widening the nation’s digital divide. The shortage of dependable, high-speed connectivity continues to limit entry to digital providers akin to e-commerce, on-line schooling, and cellular banking, notably in rural and low-income areas.

At present, 4G stays Nigeria’s dominant broadband expertise, with 51% adoption, whereas 3G use has dropped to 7% as operators part it out. In the meantime, 2G networks nonetheless serve 38% of cellular customers, reflecting the enduring prevalence of primary characteristic telephones in a lot of the nation.

Whereas telecom operators like MTN and Airtel proceed to develop their 5G footprints, affordability stays a significant impediment. As of 2025, entry-level 5G smartphones value between ₦160,000 and ₦200,000 ($114–$143), roughly 3 times the nationwide minimal wage. Mid-range units vary from ₦250,000 to ₦400,000 ($179–$286). Premium fashions just like the iPhone 15 sequence and Samsung S24 Extremely retail between ₦1 million ($714.29) and ₦3 million ($2,142.86), far past the attain of most Nigerians.

The GSMA estimates that an entry-level smartphone nonetheless prices about 48% of a low-income earner’s month-to-month revenue, leaving thousands and thousands reliant on older 3G and 4G units.whereas premium fashions just like the iPhone 15 or Samsung S24 Extremely can attain ₦3 million ($2,142). In keeping with GSMA, the typical entry-level smartphone nonetheless consumes almost half of a low-income earner’s month-to-month revenue, conserving thousands and thousands of Nigerians reliant on older 3G and 4G handsets.

Information reveals that MTN, Nigeria’s first 5G operator, presently delivers the strongest nationwide efficiency, with persistently excessive obtain, add speeds and low latency. Airtel follows intently, excelling in obtain speeds however nonetheless displaying room for enchancment in latency. Nonetheless, even amongst these high operators, 5G efficiency lags, with protection gaps of over 70% in Lagos and 65% in Abuja. Which means even customers with 5G-capable telephones typically can not entry the community persistently. Mafab Communications, which holds a 5G licence is but to launch, three years after securing the licence. 

The NCC’s information paints a combined image: a fast-digitising economic system held again by uneven entry and affordability boundaries. With smartphone penetration projected to exceed 70% by 2026, Nigeria’s cellular future is vibrant—however provided that connectivity retains tempo.

To attain this, the NCC urges accelerated funding in 4G and 5G infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. Closing the digital divide would require not simply community enlargement but additionally insurance policies that make units extra inexpensive by native meeting, tax incentives, and financing schemes like Purchase Now, Pay Later (BNPL).

Till then, the promise of 5G for many Nigerians stays aspirational—a expertise accessible in title, however out of attain in apply.

Editor’s Word: An earlier model of this text wrongly quoted 57,200 because the variety of 5G units accessible within the nation. The article headline and physique have been up to date on Oct. 27, 2025 to mirror the correct 5G adoption standing and determine: ~5 million.