Airtel Nigeria is stepping up efforts to expand its 5G network across the country, aiming to meet rising demand for faster, more reliable internet. With data consumption soaring and urban areas growing rapidly, the telecom giant believes the moment is right to accelerate infrastructure investment.

Speaking at a media roundtable in Lagos, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, confirmed that the company is gearing up for an aggressive 5G rollout in the coming months.

Over the next few months, we will roll out 5G network much more rapidly, that I can assure you,” he said.

Although MTN, Mafab, and Airtel currently hold 5G licences, penetration remains low. As of June 2025, only 3.07% of mobile connections in Nigeria were on 5G, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). But Airtel sees that figure rising fast.

Data Is the New Oxygen

Balsingh pointed out that Nigerian cities, especially Lagos, are experiencing unprecedented data usage due to urbanisation, mobile-first habits, and digitisation. These trends are pushing the need for faster and more stable connections.

Cities like Lagos are growing at lightning speed, more people, more businesses, more devices,” he explained.

He believes that data connectivity is no longer a luxury but a basic need.

“At Airtel, we recognise that data is the new oxygen. That’s why we’re investing heavily in 5G and fibre to build a smart, scalable network that can carry the weight of Nigeria’s digital future,” Balsingh added.

According to him, this expansion isn’t only about speed—it’s about enabling broader digital services in education, healthcare, and commerce, helping bridge access gaps across Nigeria.

The Device Barrier Still Looms

Yet, a major obstacle remains: many Nigerians don’t yet own 5G-capable smartphones. While Airtel continues to broaden coverage—boasting nearly 100% 4G access across Nigeria—it knows the network is only part of the equation.

5G is not only about telecom infrastructure. It’s an ecosystem where devices and networks must come together,” Balsingh noted.

To tackle this, the telco is working closely with device manufacturers to bring down the price of 5G smartphones, making them more affordable for everyday Nigerians.

Rolling out the network is important, but it’s just as crucial to ensure that consumers have access to 5G-enabled phones,” he added.

I am passionate about crafting stories, vibing to good music (and making some too), debating Nigeria’s political future like it’s the World Cup, and finding the perfect quiet spot to work and unwind.

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