While the global tech industry is abuzz with the promise of 5G connectivity, Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is taking a markedly cautious approach. Despite the revolutionary potential of the fifth-generation network, adoption in the West African nation remains slow, leaving industry observers questioning when Nigerians will fully experience the next era of mobile broadband.

5G technology promises unprecedented speed and low latency, with projected download rates of up to 100 gigabytes per second—about 100 times faster than 4G. Beyond speed, the network is expected to enhance critical applications, from autonomous vehicles to real-time industrial systems, while potentially reducing internet access costs for end users. Globally, this transition has spurred device manufacturers to release a surge of 5G-compatible smartphones, reflecting the broad anticipation surrounding the technology. Former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized that securing 5G networks is vital for national security, urging countries to limit the influence of authoritarian regimes over critical communication infrastructure.

Yet in Nigeria, the narrative diverges sharply. Discussions about 5G have remained muted, with major operators focusing instead on strengthening existing 3G and 4G networks. Low 4G penetration continues to be a major barrier; years after its introduction, widespread adoption remains limited, making a rapid 5G rollout commercially challenging.

Leading telecom players illustrate this measured approach. MTN Nigeria has begun preliminary 5G trials but insists that full-scale deployment will wait until 3G and 4G networks are maximized and 5G-compatible devices are broadly available. Ishmael Nwokocha, MTN’s General Manager of Corporate Treasury Finances, stressed that consumer readiness is critical for a successful launch. Similarly, Airtel Nigeria is prioritizing the migration of users to 4G before considering a major 5G rollout, ensuring that network demand and device availability are aligned.

The regulatory landscape adds additional pressure. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) previously set a target for nationwide 5G introduction in 2020, highlighting the need for telcos to accelerate their efforts in expanding 4G coverage. Without this foundation, a seamless transition to 5G could remain elusive, potentially delaying the benefits of faster speeds and enhanced connectivity for millions of Nigerians.

As Nigerian telcos navigate consumer readiness, device availability, and regulatory timelines, the country’s path to 5G remains cautious, offering lessons in balancing technological ambition with practical deployment realities.