Nigeria’s mobile network quality has been ranked 105th globally, according to the latest Global Network Excellence Index released by Opensignal.
The report, based on data collected between January 1 and March 31, 2025, shows that Nigeria remains stagnant in terms of mobile infrastructure, retaining the same position it held in February.
The index, which measures the real-world experience of users across 137 countries, highlights a worrying trend for Nigeria as the country continues to lag behind its peers in Africa and beyond. The report assesses countries based on the availability of 4G and 5G services, consistency of network performance, and download speeds.
While Nigeria’s overall network ranking has not changed, countries like South Africa have continued to make progress. South Africa, which ranked 64th in February, climbed to 60th place in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting improvements in infrastructure and service delivery.
Despite the launch of 5G services in Nigeria, the technology is yet to make a significant impact. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as of January 2025, only about 2.54 per cent of active users—approximately 4.3 million subscribers—had access to 5G networks.
Major service providers including MTN, Mafab, and Airtel are still in the early phases of rollout, with coverage limited to select urban areas.
The report shows that Nigeria ranks 100th in 4G/5G availability and 121st in network quality. In terms of download speeds, the country is placed 120th for 4G performance, but fared slightly better with its 5G ranking at 46th globally.
However, experts suggest that this higher ranking in 5G speed is influenced by the relatively smaller number of countries that have deployed 5G, and does not necessarily indicate widespread efficiency or coverage.
Andrey Popov, a principal analyst at Opensignal, noted that while many countries are making progress, low-income nations are struggling to keep pace. He observed that in places like Nigeria, users are increasingly reverting to 2G and 3G networks due to poor 4G infrastructure and limited access to newer technologies.
The Global Network Excellence Index was introduced by Opensignal as a benchmark for governments, regulators, and operators to evaluate the performance of mobile networks worldwide. The data shows a widening gap between countries with robust investments in telecom infrastructure and those still dependent on outdated systems.
In contrast to Nigeria’s struggles, China continues to lead globally with massive adoption of 5G technology. As of March 2025, China’s three major telecom operators had over a billion 5G subscribers combined.
China Mobile alone recorded 578 million 5G users, while China Telecom and China Unicom reported 266.2 million and 203.8 million users respectively. The country’s mobile sector remains strong, with steady revenue and profits reported across the board.
Telecommunications analysts warn that without increased investment and commitment from stakeholders, Nigeria’s digital ambitions may remain unrealised. They say improving the quality and reach of the country’s mobile networks is essential for driving economic growth, supporting innovation, and ensuring connectivity for millions of Nigerians.
