The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has emphasized that Nigeria can bridge its persistent internet connectivity gap through the expansion of 5G networks and fibre infrastructure. According to the GSMA's State of Mobile Internet Connectivity 2026 report, about 140 million Nigerians were estimated to be within mobile broadband coverage but were not using mobile internet services as of 2025. This highlights the gap between network availability and actual internet adoption in the country. The report stresses that the challenge facing Nigeria is not limited to extending network coverage.
The GSMA identified several factors as barriers to greater mobile internet adoption in Nigeria, including the affordability of internet-enabled devices, digital skills, awareness, relevant online services, and the quality and cost of connectivity. To address these challenges, the GSMA's latest Africa connectivity roadmap recommends faster migration from legacy networks to 4G and 5G, coordinated investment in connectivity and energy infrastructure, and lower costs of reaching underserved communities. These measures are crucial for narrowing the continent's digital divide.
Greater investment in fibre infrastructure could complement mobile networks in Nigeria by providing the high-capacity backbone required to support rising data consumption, enterprise connectivity, and the expansion of broadband services. Recent industry figures show that fibre adoption is already increasing, with Nigeria's Fibre-to-the-X subscriber base reaching 319,735 in the second quarter of 2026. This represents a 29 per cent increase from 241,750 subscribers in the first quarter.
Despite the growth in fibre adoption, Nigeria continues to face challenges in translating network investment into consistent user experience. The Nigerian Communications Commission's 2026 network performance data points to persistent differences in network quality and 5G experience, including gaps between 5G-capable devices and actual access to 5G services. The rapid growth in demand for data is compounding the challenge, with Nigerian internet users consuming about 1.53 million terabytes of data in June 2026.
The GSMA emphasizes that closing the usage gap in Nigeria would require more than network deployment. It stresses the importance of affordable smartphones, digital skills, locally relevant content, trusted digital services, and policies capable of encouraging sustained investment in connectivity. The GSMA and the Partnership for Digital Access in Africa have set out a roadmap aimed at helping connect one billion Africans to the internet by 2030.
The roadmap estimates that halving the mobile internet usage gap across 11 African markets, including Nigeria, could bring approximately 245 million additional people online. Industry stakeholders in Nigeria say that the combination of stronger 5G deployment, expanded fibre networks, and measures addressing affordability could determine how effectively the country can bridge its internet connectivity gap.
The GSMA's report and recommendations highlight the need for a multi-faceted approach to address Nigeria's internet connectivity gap. By addressing the challenges of affordability, digital skills, and network quality, Nigeria can work towards connecting its 140 million people who are currently outside the internet economy. This would require sustained investment in connectivity and a coordinated effort from stakeholders across the industry.
Key points
- The GSMA estimates that 140 million Nigerians are within mobile broadband coverage but do not use mobile internet services.
- The GSMA recommends faster migration from legacy networks to 4G and 5G, coordinated investment in connectivity and energy infrastructure, and lower costs of reaching underserved communities.
- Halving the mobile internet usage gap across 11 African markets, including Nigeria, could bring approximately 245 million additional people online.
