Nigeria’s 5G Users Hit 6.38 Million as Urban-Rural Digital Divide Widens – NCC
Nigeria’s 5G rollout remains limited three years after commercial launch, with just 6.38 million users connected as of November, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This accounts for only 3.6% of the country’s 177.4 million active telecom subscribers, while 4G dominates with nearly 52% of connections.
Despite slow adoption, MTN and Airtel have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in network expansion, fibre backhaul, and spectrum licensing, signaling confidence in 5G as a key platform for Nigeria’s digital economy.
Coverage remains concentrated in urban centres like Lagos, Abuja, Rivers, Oyo, and Kano, leaving rural and semi-urban areas reliant on 4G and 3G networks.
Rising data demand underscores the urgency of expansion. National mobile data traffic is set to exceed 13 million terabytes by year-end, driven by streaming, cloud services, and digital payments.
An NCC–Ookla report highlights a gap between 5G-ready devices and network access, with over 65% of devices in Lagos and Abuja unable to connect.
Experts note that while 5G is easing high-capacity traffic in cities, rural areas face slower speeds and limited access. Expanding coverage beyond urban hubs remains critical to digital inclusion and fully leveraging 5G’s benefits.
