Nigeria’s 5G network recorded the fastest proportional growth among mobile network generations between June 2025 and August 2026, while 3G experienced the steepest decline, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The NCC’s industry statistics show that 5G’s share of mobile connections increased from 3.07% in June 2025 to 4.92% in August 2026. This represents a rise of about 60.3% relative to its initial share.
However, 4G remained the dominant technology, accounting for 54.77% of connections in August 2026, up from 50.80% in June 2025.
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In contrast, 3G’s share fell from 7.66% to 4.27% over the period, a decline of 3.39%, or approximately 44.3%. 2G’s share also fell from 38.47% to 36.05%, a drop of 2.42%.
The figures point to a gradual shift towards newer mobile network technologies. Together, 4G and 5G accounted for 59.69% of connections in August 2026, up from 53.87% in June 2025.
The trend comes as mobile connectivity remains important for internet access, digital payments, online services and business communications in Nigeria. Fourth-generation technology supports mobile broadband services, while 5G can deliver higher data speeds and lower latency where suitable infrastructure and coverage are available.
Nevertheless, they do not establish how many subscribers have switched between technologies or whether network performance has improved. They also do not measure unique users, since one person may hold multiple devices.