Nigeria’s 5G Connections Jump 41% in One Year

LAGOS — Nigeria’s adoption of 5G mobile technology has increased sharply, with 5G connections rising by about 41 per cent in the year to June 2026.

According to figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission, 5G accounted for 4.61 per cent of mobile connections in June, compared with 3.27 per cent a year earlier.

4G remains much more widely used, accounting for more than half of mobile connections.

At the same time, the share of older 3G and 2G technologies continues to decline as Nigerians move toward faster networks.

The growth is being driven by increasing demand for video streaming, digital payments, online work, cloud services and other internet-based activities.

MONAFRIKA’S TAKE

Nigeria is becoming more digital — but speed alone is not enough.

A 41 per cent rise in 5G connections sounds impressive, and it is.

But millions of Nigerians still struggle with expensive data, poor network coverage and unreliable electricity.

There is little value in having 5G on paper if a young person cannot afford the data needed to use it.

Nigeria’s digital future must therefore be about more than faster internet.

We need cheaper data, wider coverage, reliable electricity and affordable smartphones.

If those pieces come together, Nigeria’s huge young population could become one of Africa’s biggest digital advantages.