New data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals that 5G subscriptions in Nigeria have surged to 2.14 million as of November 2023, marking a significant increase from the 265,510 recorded in May 2023 when the NCC began tracking the network’s market share. Despite this growth, second-generation network (2G) subscriptions continue to dominate the mobile network landscape in Nigeria.
The total number of mobile subscriptions in Nigeria reached 222.80 million in November 2023, with 5G subscriptions accounting for 0.96 percent of the total. In contrast, 2G maintains its dominance with a market share of 59.32 percent, totaling 132.17 million subscriptions. The 3G market share stands at 9.81 percent (21.86 million), while 4G subscriptions constitute 29.91 percent (66.64 million) of the market.
5G was officially launched in Nigeria in September 2022 by MTN Nigeria, with subsequent launches by Airtel Nigeria and Mafab Communications. However, Ubale Maska, the Executive Commissioner of Technical Standard at the NCC, noted that 5G networks are currently operational in less than 30 cities in Nigeria, indicating a gradual expansion of coverage.
Despite the initial optimism surrounding 5G, Ericsson’s mobility report suggests that 4G will continue to be the primary driver of new subscriptions in Nigeria and across Africa until at least 2028. GSMA predicts that 5G adoption will grow more rapidly in the second half of the decade, reaching 17 percent by 2030.
However, challenges such as infrastructure limitations and device access hinder the widespread adoption of 5G in Nigeria. Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, highlighted the lack of nationwide infrastructure to support 5G deployment. Device access remains crucial, prompting partnerships between telecom operators and device manufacturers to enhance 5G penetration in the country.
