Nigeria’s push to expand fifth-generation (5G) connectivity is facing renewed scrutiny following new data showing that tens of thousands of users in Lagos and Abuja are unable to access 5G services despite owning compatible devices.
An analysis released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that more than 57,000 5G-capable smartphones in the country’s two most digitally active cities are not connected to any 5G network.
According to the data, Lagos alone accounts for 41,057 5G-ready devices without network access, while Abuja has 16,143 such devices. The figures highlight a significant gap between consumer adoption of 5G-enabled smartphones and the pace of network deployment by telecom operators.
The findings are contained in the NCC’s Network Performance and 5G Opportunity Analysis, which also showed substantial coverage gaps across both cities. Lagos recorded an average 5G coverage gap of 70.9 per cent, while Abuja posted 65.6 per cent, indicating that large portions of both cities remain outside effective 5G coverage.
The commission noted that, although 5G services have been commercially launched, the technology is yet to deliver widespread user experience across key urban centres.
Nigeria awarded nationwide 5G licences to major telecom operators in 2021, with clear rollout obligations. These included phased deployment in major cities, compliance with international benchmarks for speed, latency and availability, and efficient utilisation of assigned spectrum within specified timelines.
However, more than three years after the licences were issued, the latest data suggests that progress has been slower than expected.
The NCC warned that the anticipated benefits of 5G—such as faster internet speeds, lower latency and support for advanced digital services—have not yet translated into broad consumer experience. This, the commission said, raises concerns about delays in meeting rollout milestones and maximising the economic and technological potential of 5G in Nigeria.
