4G now accounts for about half of Nigeria’s mobile network market as of April 2025; 5G grows slowly

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian subscribers' preference trend shows their acceptance of faster networks.
  • 2G's market share dropped significantly from 58.36% in May 2023 to 39.67% in April 2025.
  • 4G adoption rose steadily from 25.06% to 49.27% within the same period.
  • 5G adoption increased by nearly 23-fold from 0.12% to 2.81%, showing the strongest growth rate in the same period.
  • A major transition occurred around May 2024 when 4G adoption jumped from 34% to 43%.
  • 3G gradually declined from 16.46% in May 2023 to 8.25% in April 2025.

Over the past two years, Nigeria's mobile network internet speed has undergone significant changes. As of April 2025, nearly half of the country's mobile subscribers (49.27%) use 4G services, which is nearly double the market share recorded in May 2023. In contrast, the share of 2G users dropped from over 58% to below 40%, indicating a major shift toward faster internet speeds and improved digital experiences across the country.

Meanwhile, 3G usage has also declined gradually, dropping to just 8.25% in April 2025. Although 5G adoption remains modest, reaching 2.81% by April 2025, its consistent upward trend signals growing acceptance and potential for future expansion.

Source:

Nigerian Communications Commission

Period:

May 2023 - April 2025
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