Nigeria’s mobile telecommunications landscape remains firmly rooted in fourth-generation (4G) technology, which supports the majority of connections nationwide, even as fifth-generation (5G) services gradually expand in select urban centres.
According to the latest industry statistics released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), legacy technologies, however, remain present in the ecosystem, with 2G still accounting for between 38 and 40 per cent of subscriptions, particularly among rural and low-income users, while 3G continues to decline at six to eight per cent.
According to the regulator’s 2025–2026 data, as of August 2025, NCC figures indicate that 4G alone accounted for 51.22 per cent of total connections, while 5G subscriptions stood at 3.17 per cent. The data reaffirm 4G’s strategic position as the foundation of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs): MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2 (formerly 9mobile) have prioritised extensive 4G rollouts to meet rising consumer and enterprise data demand.
Industry analysts attribute 4G’s sustained dominance to broader device compatibility, wider geographical coverage and relatively affordable data pricing compared to 5G-enabled services.
In practical terms, 4G has overtaken older technologies as the preferred platform for streaming, fintech services, e-commerce, remote work and digital education.
