Nigeria’s journey toward next-generation connectivity is facing a stark reality check. Despite growing ownership of 5G-capable smartphones in the country’s major cities, thousands of devices remain unable to tap into the new networks, highlighting a widening gap between ambition and implementation.
Recent data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that over 57,000 5G-ready devices in Lagos and Abuja—Nigeria’s busiest urban centers—are yet to connect to any 5G network. Lagos accounts for 41,057 of these unconnected devices, while Abuja follows with 16,143.
The NCC’s Network Performance & 5G Opportunity Analysis reveals that while Nigerian consumers are increasingly investing in 5G smartphones, network deployment has not kept pace. The report indicates average coverage gaps of 70.9 percent in Lagos and 65.6 percent in Abuja, signaling a substantial mismatch between infrastructure availability and user readiness.
Deployment Lag Raises Questions
When the government awarded nationwide 5G licenses in 2021, operators were bound by progressive rollout milestones. Licenses required phased urban coverage, adherence to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) benchmarks for latency, speed, and availability, and minimum spectrum utilization targets. Operators were expected to show incremental network expansion within 24 months.
Yet, more than three years later, NCC findings suggest that these obligations remain largely unmet. The commission warned that “the promise of 5G has not translated into everyday user experience,” adding that persistent access gaps could stall Nigeria’s broader digital transformation goals.
Where the Gap Lies
The problem is not demand—tens of thousands of 5G-ready devices are already in circulation. Rather, the bottleneck appears to be operator inaction coupled with insufficient regulatory enforcement. Investigations indicate that some telecom providers maintain near-zero 5G presence in key districts, while others deliver subpar service even where coverage exists.
Industry analysts say the situation reflects weak competitive pressure and inconsistent oversight. “Without aggressive monitoring and penalties for missed rollout targets, operators lack the incentive to prioritize 5G infrastructure investment,” one analyst, who asked not to be named, told reporters.
This gap in service directly limits access to high-speed, low-latency applications across finance, healthcare, education, and smart-city initiatives, leaving a significant portion of the population on the wrong side of the digital divide.
Nationwide Disparities
The NCC’s analysis also highlights uneven network performance outside Lagos and Abuja. Internet speeds in underserved regions lag by up to 50 percent compared to major cities, exposing deepening digital inequality. While one operator demonstrates relatively strong national coverage, most providers exhibit patchy 5G rollout and unreliable service, raising questions about regulatory oversight.
Opportunity Amid the Shortfalls
Ironically, the widespread presence of dormant 5G-capable devices represents an untapped economic opportunity. Accelerating network investment could unlock new digital services, foster innovation, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the regional digital economy.
Experts argue that bridging this gap will require stricter regulatory enforcement, active monitoring of spectrum utilization, and firm adherence to license milestones. Without decisive action, Nigeria risks falling behind neighboring countries that are rapidly advancing their 5G capabilities.
“The challenge is no longer user readiness—it is network readiness,” the NCC report concluded, urging operators to convert licensing commitments into tangible service delivery. Otherwise, Nigerians risk being left offline in the era of next-generation connectivity.