Nigeria is experiencing sluggish growth in the adoption of 5G technology, according to recent statistics from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). As of November 2023, the Fifth Generation (5G) network had only reached 0.96 percent penetration of the served communities in the country, a marginal increase from 0.83 percent in August.
The NCC reported that the number of 5G subscriptions in Nigeria stood at around 500,000 by mid-2023. The technology is currently available in approximately 30 cities across the country. Leading telecom operators such as MTN, Mafab, and Airtel have been pushing for increased 5G penetration. MTN has expanded its coverage to over 15 cities, while Airtel claims to be present in Lagos, Ogun, Port Harcourt, and Abuja. Mafab, currently operating in Lagos and Abuja, is on the verge of a significant expansion.
Despite the slow growth in Nigeria, advanced markets around the world are actively promoting 5G adoption. The Global System for Mobile Telecommunications Association (GSMA) predicts that 5G will surpass 4G as the dominant mobile technology globally by 2029. This shift is crucial for scaling mobile’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, as research shows that 5G subscribers make greater and more frequent use of digital services on their smartphones.
The GSMA also highlights the importance of ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the mobile industry. Mobile operators are increasingly utilizing AI to generate innovative solutions, analyze complex data, and optimize networks. However, AI raises ethical concerns, necessitating multi-stakeholder efforts and collaborative decision-making to ensure a safe and inclusive digital future.
While Nigeria’s 5G penetration may be slow, the global trend towards 5G adoption is undeniable. As advanced markets lead the way, Nigeria and other countries will need to further enhance their efforts to embrace this transformative technology. The optimization and responsible use of AI will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of the mobile industry.
Overall, the Nigerian telecommunications sector faces the challenge of accelerating 5G deployment to keep pace with the rest of the world. With the potential for enhanced digital services and the optimization of networks, 5G holds the key to a more connected and technologically advanced future.
