Airtel Nigeria is set to fast-track its 5G network roll-out to meet the soaring demand for data across the country.
The company’s CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, shared this update during a media event in Lagos, revealing plans to boost investment in network infrastructure this year. Currently, 5G penetration in Nigeria is low, just over 3% as of June 2025, despite three operators holding 5G licenses. Airtel aims to change that by expanding coverage significantly in the coming months.
According to Balsingh, data consumption in Nigerian cities, especially Lagos, is growing rapidly due to urbanisation, more businesses, and a mobile-first lifestyle.
“At Airtel, we know data is the new oxygen. We’re building a smart, scalable 5G and fibre network to support education, healthcare, commerce, and more,” he explained.
However, he noted that rolling out infrastructure is only part of the challenge. Customers need affordable 5G-enabled devices to fully use the service. Airtel is partnering with device makers to lower smartphone prices and make 5G access more affordable across Nigeria.
The Nigerian Communications Commission reports that while 4G coverage is nearly nationwide, only about half of Nigerians use 4G due to the high cost of devices. Nearly 40% still rely on older 2G connections. With better device availability and growing network coverage, 5G adoption is expected to pick up more strongly this year and beyond. This expanded 5G access could unlock new opportunities for digital services, business growth, and social development nationwide.
