LAGOS – Nearly three years since the commercial introduction and rollout of Fifth Generation (5G) technology services in Nigeria, insufficient infrastructure has impeded substantial advancements in deploying this much-anticipated service, which was foreseen to revolutionize the telecommunications sector.
Although the rollout of 5G services was intended to significantly boost the nation's economy, the sluggish adoption rate of this new technology has raised concerns following the initial excitement fueled by telecommunications companies and the regulatory body, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The progress has raised concerns among industry stakeholders, who attribute the sluggish rollout of the newest fifth-generation technology to insufficient investment in essential infrastructure and personnel.
Regarding the puzzling situation following numerous years of service providers' operations within the country, Dr. Aminu Maina, the Executive Vice-Chairman (EVC) of NCC, expressed dissatisfaction with the substantial count of 2G subscribers alongside minimal registrations for 3G, 4G, and notably 5G services. He urged sector heads to concentrate on advancing 4G technology and beyond.
Today, we mark Nigeria’s achievement of nearly 200 million connections. However, upon closer inspection, we see that roughly half of these are 2G. Given this, why do we continue to produce smartphones with only 2G capabilities? Shouldn’t the focus be more on promoting 4G and beyond?
As Nigerian telecommunications companies slowly roll out 4G and 5G services, Vietnam is taking significant steps by beginning to block signals from 2G-only devices. This move is part of their strategy to completely eliminate 2G technology before the end of the year. They aim to remove 2G networks in preparation for launching 6G technologies by 2030.
The trend of discontinuing 2G networks is not specific to Vietnam; numerous nations are abandoning this outdated technology to make room for advanced technologies like 5G and future 6G systems.
In the United Kingdom, all prominent mobile service providers have committed to discontinuing their 2G networks by 2033. Meanwhile, in France, Bouygues Telecom intends to cease operations of its 2G network by late 2026. In contrast, Japan ended its 2G services much earlier, back in 2011.
This past May, a Japanese group apparently presented the globe's initial high-speed 6G prototype equipment capable of transmitting data at an impressive rate of 100 gigabits per second (Gbps) with coverage extending beyond 300 feet. This marks a significant enhancement compared to today's 5G tech, boasting a speed increase of twentyfold.
By the end of September 2023, China had approximately 750 million active 5G subscriptions.
According to recent data from the NCC in April 2025, out of 172,948,309 subscribers recorded at the period, only 2.81 percent of subscribers (less than 5 million) are on 5G service. On the other hand, about 39.67 percent of Nigerian subscribers were still on 2G networks, while the 3rd, 4th generations have 8.25 and 49.27 percent, respectively.
The three telecommunications companies—MTN, Airtel, and Mafab Communications—have launched 5G services in Nigeria.
In 2021, MTN Nigeria along with Mafab Communications received the licenses for the 5G spectrum through an auction conducted by the NCC.
Despite the challenges faced by MTN and Airtel in deploying 5G, Mafab appears to be absent from this development, resulting in minimal advancement for these networks over recent years.
Nevertheless, as the providers keep investing in enlarging the service coverage, various elements—such as the steep price of 5G gadgets—have hindered the growth rate of user sign-ups, despite this offering superior quality compared to 2G, 3G, and 4G services.
Due to escalating operational costs caused by high inflation and the depreciation of the Nigerian currency, operators have slowed their pace of investment in expanding 5G infrastructure.
Speaking with Daily Independent A phone dealer based in Lagos, who introduced herself as Chimezie, mentioned that certain nations are actively working towards phasing out 2G, 3G, and even 4G devices from their markets to make room exclusively for gadgets compatible with 5G and 6G technologies.
I specialize in selling both used and brand-new phones. Over the last couple of years, I've been journeying abroad to bring imported phones into our country. During this time, I noticed that several of the nations I travel to for work have largely adopted 5G technology in their smartphones, whereas only a small portion of the population remains on 4G networks.
The smartphone companies are making every effort to distribute their 2G, 3G, and 4G devices in various countries, particularly those considered developing nations across certain continents such as Africa, along with both North and South America. These manufacturers have ceased operations at production facilities for older generation handsets.
"How you can easily tell that they are using 2G, 3G, and 4G devices is through their selling prices. However, when I import these phones into the country, few people believe that they aren’t second-hand or inferior quality due to how well-packaged they are and their low costs," Chimezie clarified.
In an effort to accelerate the rollout of 5G and other telecommunications services nationwide, the federal government declared its intention last year to invest $2 billion in constructing 90,000 kilometers of fiber-optic infrastructure throughout the nation.
The initiative aims to increase Nigeria’s fiber-optic cable length from 35,000 km to 125,000 km, enhancing the country’s terrestrial broadband infrastructure.
Nevertheless, specialists have voiced concerns regarding the Federal Government’s strategy and urged prudence concerning the planned $3 billion (approximately N4.7 trillion) investment in telecommunications infrastructure.
They worry that excessive governmental regulation might hinder their investment objective, which seeks to enhance internet accessibility for millions of Nigerians.
Emphasizing the importance of the broadband expansion initiative, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister for Communications, Innovation, and the Digital Economy, disclosed that Nigeria will be receiving telecommunications gear and fiber-optic infrastructure worth $3 billion this June.
He says that this investment will boost the development of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, encompassing technologies like 5G.
We have gathered key stakeholders today to discuss strategies for attracting investment and funding our broadband infrastructure. I believe everyone tuned in likely recognizes that technology via the internet has become indispensable. Therefore, ensuring high-quality accessibility irrespective of one’s geographical location is essential for us all.
"A trial program aimed at providing telecommunications services to more than 20 million Nigerians who currently have no access to such facilities will be initiated shortly," he stated.
It is anticipated that this project will enhance telecommunication accessibility for areas without service or with insufficient coverage, especially within rural regions.
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