5G Dreams, 4G Realities: Can NCC’s Telecoms Review Unlock Nigeria’s Digital Future?

Nigeria’s telecom industry is experiencing significant growth, with active mobile subscriptions rising to 175.3 million and broadband penetration hitting 49.89% as of October 2025.

In it’s drive to improve the Telecoms sector following this growth, Nigeria’s telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has launched a comprehensive review of the country’s telecommunications sector to assess competition levels and promote innovation, fair pricing, and sustainable growth.

To achieve this objective, the NCC has engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to conduct the study, which will examine market dynamics, pricing trends, infrastructure access, and consumer behavior.

“The study aims to provide a data-driven assessment of competitive conditions within the Nigerian telecommunications market,” said Nnenna Ukoha, Acting Head of Public Affairs Department, NCC. “Findings from the study will guide proportionate and evidence-based regulatory interventions designed to promote effective competition, protect consumer interests, encourage investment, and support national digital development goals.”

The review is timely, given the rapid evolution of the telecom market, with changes in revenue models, investment patterns, and consumer habits. “Changes in revenue models, investment dynamics, and market interactions have fundamentally altered the competitive landscape of the sector,” said Omotayo Mohammed, Head of Tariff, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis Department, NCC.

PwC Network Director for Strategy, Akolawole Odunlami, described the study as “timely and apt”. The NCC has also invited stakeholders to submit comments on two draft documents aimed at strengthening the communications sector: the Draft Spectrum Roadmap for the Communications Sector (2025-2030) and Draft Guidelines for the Use of the 60 GHz License-Exempt Band for Multi-Gigabit Wireless Systems.

The proposed five-year Spectrum Roadmap sets out the NCC’s strategic vision for spectrum planning, allocation, and management, with a focus on promoting innovation, investment, and competition. The draft guidelines on the use of the 60 GHz license-exempt band provide a clear regulatory framework for the deployment of high-capacity, short-range wireless systems.

Key Developments:

5G Adoption: Nigeria’s 5G penetration is around 2.46%, with MTN Nigeria leading the rollout of 5G services across the country.

Infrastructure Challenges: Power supply issues, vandalism, and fibre cuts continue to affect network quality and reliability.

Regulatory Reforms: The NCC is implementing measures to protect consumers, including a Refund Framework for failed airtime and data transactions.

Nigeria’s telecom industry is growing, but it lags behind some African countries in 5G adoption. South Africa, for instance, has over 50% of its population with access to 5G, while Nigeria’s 5G penetration is around 2.46%.

5G Adoption Comparison in Africa:

• South Africa: Over 50% 5G coverage, with 10.8 million subscribers in 2024
• Nigeria: 2.46% 5G penetration, with 4 million subscribers in 2024
• Kenya: 5G services launched, with growing adoption
• Ghana: MTN Ghana leading 5G expansion
• Tanzania: Vodacom Tanzania acquiring Smile to boost 4G and 5G services.

With such a competitive growth across Africa, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is working to improve the country’s telecom infrastructure, aiming for 70% broadband penetration in 2026.

With active mobile subscriptions rising to 175.3 million and broadband penetration hitting 49.89% as of October 2025, the NCC is working to improve 5G adoption, which is currently slow due to high device costs and infrastructure limitations.

However, operators like MTN and Airtel are expanding their 5G networks, with MTN having over 2100 active 5G sites across 13 cities.

The NCC’s efforts aim to improve the sector’s competitiveness and attract investment, ultimately driving economic growth and digital transformation in Nigeria.