Nigeria’s 5G Subscriptions Surge Eightfold in Six Months, Marking A Remarkable Leap Into The Future of Connectivity
In November 2023, the fifth-generation network (5G) witnessed a significant growth to 2.14 million subscriptions, marking a remarkable 707.09 percent increase from the 265,510 recorded in May 2023 when the NCC began updating the network’s market share. This surge indicates a rising interest in 5G subscriptions in the country.
The total number of mobile subscriptions in November 2023 reached 222.80 million. According to data from the NCC’s portal, 5G subscriptions accounted for 0.96 percent of the total mobile subscriptions, with 2G still dominating at 59.32 percent (132.17 million). Meanwhile, 3G subscriptions continued to decline, representing only 9.81 percent (21.86 million) of the market, while 4G held a market share of 29.91 percent (66.64 million).
5G was officially launched in Nigeria in September 2022, with MTN Nigeria pioneering the network rollout. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of 5G, highlighting its capacity to revolutionize connectivity and drive innovation.
Since then, Airtel Nigeria and Mafab Communications have also launched their own 5G networks. The NCC recently disclosed that 5G coverage has expanded to approximately 30 cities in Nigeria. However, despite initial enthusiasm, 5G is not expected to dominate the network landscape in Nigeria in the near future. According to projections, 4G will continue to be the primary driver of new subscriptions until 2028.
Ericsson’s mobility report indicates that subscribers are increasingly migrating towards 4G networks in pursuit of modernization and enhanced connectivity. While 5G adoption is expected to accelerate in the second half of the decade, reaching around 17 percent by 2030, significant impacts on mobile subscription numbers are not anticipated until 2023.
Globally, 5G already boasts over one billion mobile subscriptions, but Africa lags behind. GSMA reports that 5G adoption in Africa is currently around one percent of total connections, projected to rise to eight percent by 2026. Minister of Communications, Innovations, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, highlighted infrastructure limitations as a key factor hindering 5G growth in the country.
Device access also remains a critical factor in 5G adoption, with MTN and Airtel partnering with device manufacturers to drive 5G penetration in Nigeria.
