The Nigerian Communications Commission’s fourth-quarter Network Performance Report, revealed that 5G connectivity remains limited in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja three years after launch.
The NCC report indicated that MTN recorded a 5G availability gap of about 50 per cent, while other operators, including Airtel, Globacom, and T2, posted gaps ranging from 83 per cent to as high as 99 per cent, depending on location.
The report which was released on 28 January 2026 attributed the shortcomings to the failure of mobile network operators (MNOs) to deploy sufficient infrastructure to support 5G-enabled devices.
5G service was introduced in the country over three years ago. The 5G network was launched in September 2022, pioneered by MTN Nigeria.
However majority of subscribers are still unable to access the high-speed network.
The NCC further highlighted significant coverage challenges in Lagos, describing the situation as a “phantom signal” phenomenon.
According to the report, the average 5G coverage gap in Lagos stands at 55.4 per cent, meaning that more than half the time, a 5G-capable device in the city is unable to connect to a 5G network. It also identified 499 locations across Lagos as “critical zones”, where the coverage gap exceeds 70 per cent, most of them in high-density commercial areas.
To remedy the situation, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, promised that the Commission would continue to engage stakeholders to improve network quality nationwide.
“Today’s engagement reflects our commitment to the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. Through our collaboration with Ookla, we are providing independent insights into real-world network performance and the lived experience of Nigerians across cities, rural communities, highways, and emerging 5G zones,” Maida said.
Also, the Executive Commissioner for Technical Services at the NCC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami said the Commission’s data initiatives are empowering consumers to better assess the quality of services provided by MNOs. He noted that the NCC’s partnership with global analytics firm Ookla has led to the development of nationwide Network Coverage Maps and the publication of quarterly performance reports.
“These initiatives are designed to ensure transparency, improve consumer awareness, and promote healthy competition in the sector,” Oshadami said.
In her part, NCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, said the quarterly reports serve as valuable resources for the media, providing data for daily news coverage, investigative reporting, and in-depth sector analysis. She added that the commission remains committed to supporting accurate and informed reporting of developments in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
