Security Concerns Hinder Nigeria's 5G Aspirations

Three years after the introduction of 5G in Nigeria, coverage remains limited to just 3% of the country—significantly trailing behind other nations in the region and hampering Nigeria’s digital transformation goals. While demand for advanced connectivity is rising across Africa—

—the rollout in Nigeria has faced persistent setbacks, fueling worries over regulatory hurdles and insufficient infrastructure.

The slow pace stands in stark contrast to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), where

in 2024 to 48% by 2030. This gap underscores Nigeria’s difficulty in keeping up with regional advancements, especially as the nation contends with both economic instability and security issues. in western Nigeria has further shifted government attention and funding away from infrastructure, compounding the delays in 5G expansion.

Authorities have yet to clarify the reasons behind the sluggish deployment, but

. At the same time, the nation’s such as Lami Technologies and Payhippo, has remained robust, growing at an annual rate of 15.7% since 2021. Still, the lack of widespread 5G is seen as a barrier to further innovation, particularly in digital banking and payment systems that depend on real-time data.

Security concerns have only made matters worse.

, along with assaults on religious sites, has forced officials to focus on immediate safety over long-term digital infrastructure. , including the G20 summit, to address these crises highlights the political pressure. However, this shift in priorities has further delayed 5G projects, which require ongoing investment and cooperation among stakeholders.

Meanwhile, South Africa—a digital frontrunner in the region—is considering

to support regulatory oversight and address social risks. Nigeria, lacking a similar fiscal approach, faces the danger of being left out of Africa’s digital economy due to its 5G stagnation. stands to gain from faster transactions and enhanced data analysis enabled by 5G, but these benefits remain inaccessible without broader network coverage.

This scenario highlights a wider divide in Africa’s digital progress: while

, countries such as Nigeria are held back by deep-rooted challenges. Without decisive action, Nigeria risks falling even further behind as neighboring nations embrace the next wave of digital connectivity.