The Struggles of 5G Adoption in Nigeria: A Digital Divide

Three years after its commercial launch in Nigeria, the fifth-generation (5G) network has not fulfilled its promise of mass digital transformation. The technology remains largely inaccessible to the average consumer due to prohibitively high costs of compatible devices and limited network expansion. As of August 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported that 5G penetration stood at just 3.2%, while 4G continues to dominate with 51.22% of connections, and approximately 38.4% of the population still relies on the older 2G network.

NCC explains poor network service in major cities, blames heavy internet usage

The cost of entry-level 5G smartphones ranges from N170,000 to N253,600, significantly above Nigeria's minimum wage of N70,000. Many mid-range devices exceed N400,000, making them unaffordable for most Nigerians. The absence of local manufacturing or assembly plants exacerbates the situation, with the monthly importation bill for smartphones reaching N50 billion in 2023. Consequently, the high price of 5G-enabled devices restricts access to wealthier urban residents, leaving rural and semi-urban areas underserved.

Telecom operators MTN and Airtel have made substantial investments in expanding their 5G networks, with MTN reportedly spending around $120 million on over 2,100 5G sites. Airtel plans to invest $700 million annually over the next three to four years. However, coverage remains limited to major urban centers like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, neglecting vast rural areas. The NCC has defended the slow rollout of Mafab Communications, which claims to operate in Abuja, but its presence remains unverified.

NCC explains poor network service in major cities, blames heavy internet usage

Despite the investments, users have expressed frustration over the quality of 5G services. Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecom Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMs), criticized the operators for failing to improve service quality despite a 50% tariff hike earlier in the year. Users report issues such as dropped calls, buffering during streaming, and slow download speeds, with some 5G routers providing as little as 1MBps.

The NCC attributes the poor service quality in urban areas to inadequate network capacity to support heavy usage. The commission has noted that localized congestion in high-density areas leads to performance degradation. Additionally, frequent fibre cuts—averaging 1,100 per week—further strain the network and result in significant revenue losses for operators.

NCC explains poor network service in major cities, blames heavy internet usage

Looking ahead, the NCC is focusing on initiatives to enhance connectivity, including the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), which has financed over 2,500 educational projects and provided digital tools to schools. However, until the costs of 5G-compatible devices decrease and network coverage expands beyond urban centers, the potential of 5G to bridge the digital divide in Nigeria remains largely unrealized.

Maida: Connectivity’s Worth Goes Beyond Megabits per Second

• “The accurate measure of connectivity is not in megabits per second, but in the economic value it creates or loses,” — Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC

Maida: Connectivity’s Worth Goes Beyond Megabits per Second

• “He said the network itself has failed to spread beyond the economic hubs, confining the benefits of ultrafast speed and low latency to a select few urban centres.” — Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, President, NATCOMs

• “Further reports have warned that until the costs of 5G-compatible devices drop significantly and network coverage is expanded beyond the major cities, the revolutionary potential of 5G for national development will remain largely unrealised, creating an ever-widening “digital divide” between the rich and poor regions of the country.” — Industry Analyst

The current state of 5G in Nigeria highlights a significant digital divide, with economic barriers and infrastructure challenges hindering widespread adoption. As the country looks toward future technologies like 6G, addressing these issues will be crucial for achieving equitable digital access for all Nigerians.

Maida: Connectivity’s Worth Goes Beyond Megabits per Second