The numbers highlight a widening gap in “network reality” where physical infrastructure continues to lag the rapid adoption of 5G-enabled devices by consumers.
A recent report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) highlighted the significant shortfall in 5G access across Lagos State, revealing that 55.4% of the state remained without active 5G service as of Q4 2025. The numbers highlight a widening gap in “network reality” where physical infrastructure deployment continues to lag the rapid adoption of 5G-enabled devices by consumers. Essentially, the availability of technology to users has outpaced the ability of networks to provide consistent and usable 5G service.
One of the most surprising findings is the prevalence of what the NCC calls “phantom signals.” Even though many consumers own 5G-enabled smartphones and devices, these users are unable to successfully connect to a 5G network more than half of the time. This disconnection suggests that the mere presence of a 5G indicator on a device does not guarantee service availability. This is a reality that frustrates users and undermines trust in next-generation networks. According to the report, the effective 5G coverage in Lagos State is only about 27%, which means that the majority of compatible devices automatically fall back to 4G networks.
The NCC also identified 499 “critical coverage zones” within Lagos where 5G availability is severely lacking. These areas have coverage gaps of more than 70%, and surprisingly, many of these zones are located in high-density commercial districts, where the demand for connectivity is highest. This has significant implications for business, digital services and economic activity, which are increasingly reliant on robust, high-speed mobile broadband.
Performance varies by operator. According to data in the report, MTN’s coverage gap is around 50%, reflecting challenges in expanding network reach and consistently delivering 5G to users. Airtel, on the other hand, shows an even larger difference at around 77%, indicating a relatively slow rollout or activation of infrastructure in key areas. These numbers highlight the failure of major telcos in Lagos to bridge the gap between theoretical 5G availability and real-world user experience.
Although urban areas like Lagos typically outperform rural areas by 30-40% on many network performance metrics, current 5G adoption rates are said to remain inadequate. Industry analysts and NCC alike point out that simply “turning on” a 5G signal is not enough. Operators need to ensure that their networks are truly available and capable of handling the traffic demands of modern users. Without this, more than half of mobile users in Lagos will remain effectively blocked from accessing the benefits that 5G promises.
For comparison, the report cites Abuja (Federal Capital Territory), which is performing slightly better than Lagos. As of December 2025, Abuja’s average 5G coverage gap was 47.4% and effective 5G coverage was 31%. While still far from ideal, these numbers highlight the deeper challenges in Lagos and reinforce the need to accelerate investment and strategic deployment of 5G infrastructure across Nigeria’s largest metropolitan area.
