Despite the hype about the almost limitless possibilities of the fifth generation (5G) technology adoption, its coverage and use have remained dismally low at three per cent in Nigeria and just four per cent in low-income countries. This has further questioned the rush by countries to deploy the technology which is costly in terms of equipment and compatible devices.
According to latest stats from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), only three per cent of Nigeria’s internet subscribers (just over 4 million users) are on 5G, while 4G remains the dominant network at 44.96per cent, ahead of 2G at 43.53per cent and 3G at 9.32per cent.
Similarly, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) said 5G networks coverage remains uneven, with 84 per cent of people in high-income countries having access to 5G, compared with only four per cent in low-income countries.
The global telecom body noted that this year, 5G networks are estimated to cover 55 per cent of the world’s population, reflecting strong momentum in advanced mobile technologies.
The ITU, in its Facts and Figures, For the first time, estimates the total number of 5G subscriptions, which now account for about one-third – or around 3 billion – of all mobile broadband subscriptions worldwide.
While the report showed that 4G and 3G technologies are available to the majority of the global population, these services are not best suited for keeping pace with advancing technologies.
5G was first launched in Nigeria by MTN Nigeria in September 2022, with a pilot launch earlier that month in Lagos. Airtel commercialized its 5G service in June 2023, and Mafab Communications followed suit in January 2023 first in Abuja and later Lagos. In June 2023, Airtel launched its commercial 5G service in the country.
The Federal Government made over $820.8 million from the auctioning of three 5G spectrum licenses. The revenue was generated across two main auctions held in late 2021/early 2022 and late 2022/early 2023.
The revenue came from three successful bidders: MTN Nigeria, Mafab Communications, and Airtel Network Limited.
In the December 2021 auction, MTN Nigeria and Mafab Communications emerged as winners of two available lots in the 3.5GHz spectrum band.
Each company paid the winning bid price of $273.6 million. MTN paid an additional $15.9 million for its preferred lot selection. This initial auction alone generated approximately $547 million for the Federal Government.
Also in the January 2023 auction, Airtel Network Limited emerged as the sole bidder for the third 5G spectrum license and acquired its license for $273.6 million.
The total from these transactions is over $820.8 million with the NCC overseeing the transparent and competitive auction processes.
Nigeria is however classified as a lower-middle-income country, not a low-income country. According to the World Bank’s 2025/2026 country income classification, Nigeria’s Gross National Income (GNI) per capita falls between $1,136 and $4,495, which is the range for lower-middle-income economies. The country is ranked below some African countries such Libya and Gabon but is above the threshold for low-income classification, which is a GNI per capita of $1,135 or less.
According to the report, the online population in the country and other parts of the world grew by more than 240 million people this year.
According to telecom regulator, the NCC, Nigeria had approximately 140 million internet subscribers as of August 2025, a slight increase from 138 million in July 2025.
In contrast, June posted a total of 141.1 million active subscriptions, representing a 0.3per cent decline from May 2025. The most recent figures show that mobile (GSM) internet subscriptions account for the vast majority of these figures. Mobile (GSM) constituted the vast majority of the total subscribers in both reports. Broadband penetration reached 48.8per cent in August 2025, short of the 70per cent target for December 2025 while in the area of data consumption, Nigerians consumed 1.044 million terabytes of data in June 2025.
ITU’s Facts and Figures 2025 showed that the 240million new estimates confirm continuing progress in expanding digital connectivity, while pointing to differences in quality that impact how users benefit from internet use.
Globally, an estimated 6 billion people – about three-quarters of the world’s population – are using the Internet in 2025, up from a revised estimate of 5.8 billion in 2024. However, 2.2 billion people remain offline, down from a revised estimate of 2.3 billion in 2024.
Overall, the report’s findings underline the importance of digital infrastructure, affordable services and skills training to ensure that everyone can truly benefit from advancing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).
Commenting on the new findings, ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said: “In a world where digital technologies are essential to so much of daily life, everyone should have the opportunity to benefit from being online. This report highlights how today’s digital divides are being defined by speed, reliability, affordability, and skills, all of which we must prioritize as we work toward our mission of universal connectivity.”
Estimates in the report revealed deep contrasts in intensity of use as an indicator of the quality gap. A typical user in a high-income country now generates nearly eight times more mobile data than one in a low-income country.
Facts and Figures 2025 noted that affordability and digital skills remain essential to achieving universal and meaningful connectivity – reached when everyone can access the Internet with high-quality service, at an affordable cost, whenever and wherever needed.
Globally, the median price of a data-only mobile broadband basket decreased, but access remains unaffordable in around 60 per cent of low- and middle-income countries.
Data also suggest that most Internet users possess basic skills, while more advanced capabilities – such as online safety, problem-solving and digital content creation – are being developed more slowly.
ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau Director, Cosmas Luckyson Zavazavam, said: “Reliable data are the foundation of effective digital policies and of our shared vision to connect the world. “Achieving that vision will require sustained and well-targeted efforts – in infrastructure, in digital skills, and in data systems. By working together and directing resources where the needs are greatest, we can ensure that no one is left behind and that everyone benefits fully and safely from the opportunities of the digital age.”
According to Facts and Figures 2025, digital development remains closely linked to economic development, gender, and location.
The report underscored the persistence of several digital divides: 94 per cent of people in high-income countries use the Internet, in contrast to only 23 per cent in low-income countries; 96 per cent of those offline live in low- and middle-income countries; 77 per cent of men are online compared to 71 per cent of women; 85 per cent in urban areas are online versus 58 per cent in rural areas; 82 per cent of 15–24-year-olds use the Internet, compared with 72 per cent of the rest of the population.
Facts and Figures 2025 provided global, regional and income group estimates for indicators related to Internet use, mobile network coverage, Internet subscriptions, Internet traffic, affordability, digital skills and mobile phone ownership.
Global partners however continue to invest in Africa’s digital infrastructure, with the U.S. Department of State committing $150 million to Zipline to scale autonomous drone deliveries under a pay-for-performance model that requires governments to fund ongoing operations.
Private-sector efforts are expanding access too, as M-KOPA Kenya reports unlocking over $1.6 billion in credit for 4.8 million underserved customers across five markets since 2010.
Nigeria is also pushing its own backbone upgrade, with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) projecting the completion of Project Bridge (90,000 km of additional fibre aimed at connecting all 774 local government areas (LGAs) and public institutions) by the first quarter of 2026.
The Nation
