Over three years after the launch of 5G services in Nigeria, the majority of subscribers are still unable to access the high-speed network, largely due to inadequate infrastructure deployment by mobile network operators, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Data contained in the NCC’s fourth-quarter Network Performance Report, released on Wednesday, showed that 5G connectivity remains limited, even in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja. The report attributed the situation to the failure of mobile network operators (MNOs) to deploy sufficient infrastructure to support 5G-enabled devices.
Although MTN Nigeria emerged as the leading operator in terms of 5G availability and overall network performance, the NCC noted that service quality across the country remains inadequate. The report indicated that MTN recorded a 5G availability gap of about 50 per cent, while other operators, including Airtel, Globacom, and T2, posted gaps ranging from 83 per cent to as high as 99 per cent, depending on location.
The NCC further highlighted significant coverage challenges in Lagos, describing the situation as a “phantom signal” phenomenon. According to the report, the average 5G coverage gap in Lagos stands at 55.4 per cent, meaning that more than half the time, a 5G-capable device in the city is unable to connect to a 5G network. It also identified 499 locations across Lagos as “critical zones”, where the coverage gap exceeds 70 per cent, most of them in high-density commercial areas.
Reacting to the findings, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, said the Commission would continue to engage stakeholders to improve network quality nationwide. He described the release of the report as part of the NCC’s commitment to transparent and data-driven regulation.
“Today’s engagement reflects our commitment to the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians across cities, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones,” Maida said.
Also speaking was the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services at the NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami said the Commission’s data initiatives are empowering consumers to better assess the quality of services provided by MNOs. He noted that the NCC’s partnership with global analytics firm Ookla has led to the development of nationwide Network Coverage Maps and the publication of quarterly performance reports.
“These initiatives are designed to ensure transparency, improve consumer awareness, and promote healthy competition in the sector,” Oshadami said.
Meanwhile, the NCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, said the quarterly reports serve as valuable resources for the media, providing data for daily news coverage, investigative reporting, and in-depth sector analysis. She added that the commission remains committed to supporting accurate and informed reporting of developments in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
Recall that the 5G network was launched in September 2022, pioneered by MTN Nigeria.
