Manny Ita –
Nigeria’s 5G Coverage Reaches 12% as NCC Targets 20% by End of 2026Nigeria’s telecommunications sector recorded a fresh milestone on Friday as new data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission confirmed that fifth-generation (5G) network coverage has now reached 12 percent of the country’s population, underscoring steady progress in the rollout of next-generation connectivity infrastructure.
The regulator disclosed that the expansion, driven by ongoing investments from licensed operators, reflects growing adoption of 5G services in major urban centres, while efforts are being intensified to extend coverage into semi-urban and underserved areas. “We are witnessing a gradual but consistent expansion of 5G services across the country, and this is in line with our strategic roadmap for a more connected digital economy,” an NCC official said.
According to the commission, the current figure represents a significant increase from initial rollout levels, with operators continuing to deploy base stations and upgrade existing infrastructure to support faster speeds, lower latency, and improved network capacity. Industry stakeholders say the growth is being fueled by rising demand for high-speed internet, particularly in sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, remote work, and digital entertainment.
The NCC reiterated its target of achieving 20 percent population coverage by the end of December 2026, describing the goal as “realistic and attainable” given the pace of current deployment. “Our projections are based on firm commitments from operators and a conducive regulatory environment that supports investment and innovation,” the official stated, adding that spectrum allocation and policy support remain key enablers of progress.
Major telecom operators, including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, have continued to lead the rollout, focusing primarily on high-density cities such as Lagos and Abuja, where demand for data-intensive services is strongest. Analysts note, however, that broader nationwide impact will depend on how quickly infrastructure can be extended beyond these hubs.
Despite the progress, challenges persist, including the high cost of deployment, limited fiber backbone in some regions, and issues related to right-of-way charges and infrastructure security. “Expanding 5G is capital-intensive, and operators need sustained support at both federal and state levels to overcome bottlenecks,” a telecom analyst said, emphasizing the need for coordinated policy implementation.
The commission also highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to ensure that the benefits of 5G—such as enhanced broadband access, smart city development, and improved public services—are fully realized. “5G is not just about faster internet; it is a critical enabler for economic growth and national development,” the official noted.
Consumer adoption, while still in its early stages, is expected to accelerate as more 5G-enabled devices enter the market and awareness improves. Experts believe that affordability of compatible smartphones and data plans will play a decisive role in determining how quickly the technology scales among the general population.
As Nigeria pushes toward its year-end target, the NCC maintained that continued investment, regulatory stability, and stakeholder collaboration will be essential to sustaining momentum. “We are committed to ensuring that Nigeria does not fall behind in the global digital transformation race,” the commission said, adding that “the journey to full 5G integration is ongoing, but the progress so far is both encouraging and impactful.”
