Nigeria’s adoption of 5G technology is gradually improving but remains largely confined to key sectors like banking, healthcare, and high-tech industries.
While the Nigerian Communications Commission recently reported an increase in 5G usage to 2.7%—up from 1.24% a year ago—the technology has yet to reach the broader population of over 170 million telephone subscribers, according to The Punch.
Since its official rollout in September 2021, 5G deployment has been steady, but affordability challenges continue to hinder widespread adoption. High costs of 5G-enabled devices and data plans, along with limited infrastructure outside major cities, have kept most everyday users on slower 3G and 4G networks.
Businesses are currently leading the adoption of 5G in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, according to the former CEO of a Nigerian telecom company and a UK-based renewable energy expert, Ernest Akinlola.
“5G adoption may appear low for the mass market, but businesses and corporations are making effective use of the bandwidth,” Akinlola said.
Major telecom operators—MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications, and Airtel Nigeria—have launched 5G services in select Nigerian cities since 2022, with a clear focus on urban centers and enterprise clients. MTN led the rollout in August 2022, following its spectrum acquisition in the NCC’s December 2021 auction. Mafab Communications joined in January 2023, and Airtel followed in June 2023.
These deployments have remained limited to areas with strong infrastructure and commercial demand. According to industry trends, telecom companies are cautious about expanding 5G coverage more broadly, as return on investment remains a key consideration.
“Banks, financial institutions, and high-compute sectors are the main use cases. Hospitals, clinics, and telemedicine platforms are also leveraging 5G for remote diagnostics, video consultations, and transmitting large medical data files,” the telecom executive said.
For everyday consumers, however, the cost of 5G-enabled devices and data plans remains a significant barrier. With an average daily wage of less than $2 for many Nigerians, access to the high-speed network remains out of reach.
“For most consumers, 5G would be unaffordable,” Akinlola noted. “Telcos are targeting their 5G rollout to achieve the best bang for the buck, focusing on sectors that can justify the investment.”
Recent data from the NCC highlights a deepening digital divide. 2G networks still account for 40.08% of mobile connections, indicating widespread reliance on basic connectivity, especially in rural communities. 3G adoption stands at 8.40%, while 4G leads with 48.82%, largely concentrated among urban users.
While banks leverage 5G for faster transactions and hospitals adopt it for advanced telemedicine, the vast majority of Nigerians—particularly in underserved areas—remain dependent on older-generation networks. This disparity raises urgent questions about equitable access to next-generation technology in Africa’s largest economy.
In 2025, major Nigerian banks are capitalizing on 5G technology to strengthen digital financial services such as mobile banking, fintech integration, and seamless transaction processing. This advancement aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s strategic focus on open banking, contactless payments, and broader digital transformation, supported by the nationwide rollout of 5G infrastructure.
5G technology is enhancing healthcare in Nigeria by facilitating telemedicine and remote consultations, which are crucial given the country’s shortage of medical professionals and geographic challenges. At MTN Nigeria’s 5G launch, doctors from Canada and the UK were able to perform real-time remote diagnoses on Nigerian patients, demonstrating the ability of 5G to deliver high-quality medical care across long distances.
While the NCC and telecom operators are investing in expanding 5G infrastructure, experts argue that wider consumer adoption will depend on subsidies, affordable devices, and targeted policies to address the economic gap.
