Nigeria’s journey into the era of Fifth Generation (5G) technology is steadily gaining momentum, with the latest statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) indicating a growing subscriber’s appetite for ultra-fast connectivity.
Over two years since its commercial rollout, the budding 5G network now boasts a subscriber base exceeding four million. This growth signalling a promising, albeit gradual, embrace of the advanced mobile technology across the nation.
According to data released by the NCC in December 2024, the total number of mobile subscriptions on Nigeria’s 5G network surged to 4.05 million. While this figure still represents a modest 2.46 per cent of the nation’s total active mobile subscriptions, it underscores the increasing impact of 5G on Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. This is in contrast to 4G, which continues to dominate with a 47.20 per cent market share, and 2G, which remains a primary source of revenue for operators with a 41.59 per cent share.
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Despite the relatively small percentage in the overall market, the growth in 5G subscriptions highlights a clear, albeit measured, shift in subscriber preferences towards higher internet speeds and improved connectivity. This surge is attributed to expanding coverage by major operators, coupled with a growing awareness among Nigerians about the transformative potential of 5G. Early adopters, largely in urban centres, are beginning to leverage the technology’s capabilities for seamless streaming, enhanced online gaming, and more efficient remote work.
The rapid advancements in connectivity, particularly with 5G, hold profound implications for various sectors, including education. While direct impact on challenges like girl child education in Northern Nigeria is still evolving, the improved broadband access offered by 5G presents new avenues for digital learning, remote educational resources, and teacher training initiatives that can eventually bridge existing gaps and empower underserved communities. Such high-speed, low-latency networks are critical enablers for next-generation educational tools and platforms.
Major telecommunication operators, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and Mafab Communications, have been instrumental in driving this expansion. MTN, which initiated Nigeria’s 5G commercial rollout in September 2022, has been at the forefront, deploying infrastructure across key cities. These operators continue to invest significantly in expanding their 5G footprint, pushing coverage beyond major metropolitan areas into more regions, albeit with challenges related to the cost of deployment and acquisition of 5G-enabled devices. Reports also noted that Mafab Communications has also rolled out its number series.
The broader economic implications of 5G adoption are significant for Nigeria. The technology is poised to revolutionize various sectors by enabling a wide range of innovative applications, from smart agriculture and enhanced e-commerce to remote medicine and the Internet of Things (IoT). Faster speeds and lower latency can drive productivity, create new business opportunities, and foster a more digitally inclusive economy, contributing to overall national development.
The Nigerian Communications Commission continues to play a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment for 5G growth. Through spectrum auctions, regulatory frameworks, and ongoing monitoring, the NCC aims to ensure fair competition, protect consumers, and accelerate innovation. The Commission’s commitment to expanding broadband access, especially through advanced technologies like 5G, aligns with the national digital economy agenda, seeking to position Nigeria as a leader in digital transformation within Africa.
As Nigeria progresses, the steady increase in 5G subscribers, though still a fraction of the total market, serves as a testament to the nation’s burgeoning digital ambition. While challenges such as device affordability and extensive infrastructure deployment persist, the upward trend in 5G adoption signals a future where advanced connectivity can unlock unprecedented opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and enhanced quality of life for all Nigerians.