Nigeria’s 5G Challenge: Weak Connectivity, High Device Costs and Fibre Vandalism Threaten Digital Future

Nigeria's ambition to build a stronger digital economy and improve the use of technology in critical sectors, including elections, is being threatened by slow 5G adoption, weak network infrastructure, the high cost of compatible devices and persistent vandalism of telecommunications facilities.

Research analyst at PAC Research, Chinoso Oweke, who was part of the team behind the report titled “Nigeria's 5G Conundrum: Slow Adoption, High Hurdles, and the Path to Digital Transformation,” said reliable connectivity has become increasingly important to the country's democratic process and wider economic development.

The discussion comes amid renewed attention on the role of network infrastructure in the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, and the electronic transmission and publication of election results.

According to Oweke, reliable network infrastructure is essential to strengthening transparency, public trust and confidence in elections.

While the electoral process involves voting, vote counting and the completion of result sheets, technology plays an important role in capturing and transmitting electoral information.

A strong and reliable network, he argued, can improve public confidence that votes and results are being processed transparently.

The issue became particularly significant following reports of a period of downtime during the election result-upload process, which immediately fuelled public suspicion and conspiracy theories.

For Oweke, the problem goes beyond technology itself.

Once citizens lose confidence in the process, he said, it becomes much more difficult to convince them that the outcome genuinely reflects their votes.

One of the major concerns identified in the discussion is Nigeria's continued dependence on older wireless technology.

With a significant proportion of users still relying on 2G connectivity, millions of Nigerians remain effectively excluded from many of the possibilities associated with 4G and 5G technology.

The consequences extend far beyond elections.

Limited connectivity can restrict access to emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, IoT, advanced online services, cloud-based platforms and other digital opportunities increasingly associated with faster and more reliable networks.

For a country seeking to compete in a rapidly digitising global economy, the continued reliance on older technology represents a significant development challenge.

Another major obstacle is the destruction and vandalism of fibre infrastructure.

Telecommunications operators and regulators have repeatedly raised concerns about fibre cuts, which can cause network outages, service disruptions and significant financial losses.

Oweke said the impact can be immediate.

If a facility dependent on internet connectivity suddenly loses access, operations can be severely disrupted or completely shut down.

Beyond the immediate inconvenience to consumers and businesses, repeated vandalism also creates uncertainty for investors.

Telecommunications companies may become reluctant to commit additional resources to expanding infrastructure when existing networks are constantly being damaged.

The challenge, therefore, is not simply to build more fibre infrastructure but to ensure that the infrastructure is adequately protected.

Affordability is also emerging as a major barrier to 5G adoption.

Although Nigeria's minimum wage has increased, the cost of obtaining a 5G-compatible smartphone remains beyond the reach of many citizens.

With some entry-level or second-hand 5G devices costing several times a worker's monthly income, many Nigerians simply cannot afford the technology needed to access 5G services.

Oweke explained that this creates a difficult business environment for telecommunications companies.

The sector is largely volume-driven: the more people who use a network, the greater the incentive for operators to expand and invest in infrastructure.

But when consumers cannot afford compatible devices, adoption remains slow.

This, in turn, creates uncertainty over investment returns and can discourage telecom companies from rapidly expanding 5G coverage.

Beyond affordability, there is also a major awareness problem.

Many Nigerians may not fully understand the practical opportunities offered by faster connectivity and 5G-enabled technologies.

Analysts say greater public awareness could encourage more consumers, entrepreneurs and businesses to invest in compatible devices and digital services.

As adoption increases, telecommunications companies could have stronger commercial incentives to continue expanding their networks.

The discussion has renewed calls for stronger government intervention to accelerate Nigeria's digital transformation.

Key priorities include protecting telecommunications infrastructure from vandalism, expanding fibre connectivity, reducing barriers to investment and creating policies that encourage wider adoption of 4G and 5G technologies.

Government also has a role to play in promoting digital literacy and ensuring that access to faster internet does not become a privilege available only to wealthier Nigerians and major urban centres.

For Nigeria, the challenge is clear: 5G is not just about faster browsing. It is increasingly connected to economic productivity, innovation, public services, digital inclusion and confidence in technology-driven systems, including elections.

Until the country addresses infrastructure insecurity, affordability, investment uncertainty and the digital divide, however, the promise of a fully connected digital economy may remain difficult to achieve.