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Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is moving towards a gradual retirement of older mobile technologies as operators increase investments in 4G and 5G networks. However, the transition could leave millions of subscribers dependent on 2G services, highlighting the challenge of ensuring that the country’s digital upgrade does not deepen the connectivity gap.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) showed that Nigeria had about 189 million active telephone subscriptions as of May 2026, with approximately 68.5 million subscribers still connected through 2G networks.
2G Still Accounts for More Than a Third of Connections
Although 4G has become the dominant mobile technology in Nigeria, accounting for more than 54% of connections, 2G remains the country’s second-largest network generation.
The continued use of 2G is largely linked to the widespread presence of feature phones and the technology’s role in providing basic voice connectivity, particularly in areas where newer networks are less extensively deployed.
However, the share of subscribers using 2G has fallen considerably, dropping from more than 57% in early 2024 to 36.12% by mid-2026 as operators expand 4G and 5G infrastructure and smartphone adoption increases.
Operators Prepare to Move Away From 3G
The latest development comes as a leading Nigerian telecommunications operator signals that the industry could soon begin dismantling 3G infrastructure.
A senior executive of the operator told The Guardian that the company expects 5G to play an increasingly important role in Nigeria’s broadband future and intends to continue investing in its rollout.
The executive also indicated that operators could begin decommissioning 3G networks, particularly in locations where 4G and 5G infrastructure can adequately support subscribers.
The move is expected to allow operators to redirect spectrum and investment towards newer technologies while potentially improving network quality and capacity.
Data Revenue Overtakes Voice
The shift away from older networks is also being driven by changes in how Nigerians use telecommunications services.
According to the industry executive, data has now surpassed traditional voice services as a source of revenue, with the trend expected to continue.
Even conventional voice communication is increasingly being carried through data networks, as consumers use internet-based platforms for calls and other forms of communication.
This change is strengthening the business case for operators to prioritise 4G and 5G infrastructure over legacy technologies.
The 2G Challenge Remains
While the proposed 3G phase-out represents a step towards a more modern telecommunications network, the large number of 2G users presents a separate challenge.
The 68.5 million subscribers still using 2G could face limitations if network operators eventually begin retiring the older technology without sufficient migration to newer networks.
Unlike 3G, which is increasingly being squeezed between more capable 4G and 5G networks, 2G continues to provide basic connectivity for users with older devices and in locations where advanced network coverage remains limited.
This means the transition will require more than simply switching off legacy infrastructure. Device affordability, network availability and access to reliable broadband will also influence how easily affected subscribers can migrate.
Nigeria Follows a Global Network Transition
Nigeria’s potential 3G shutdown would mirror a broader global movement towards newer mobile technologies.
The United States shut down 3G nationwide in 2022, while major operators also moved to retire 2G services. Canada completed its 3G shutdown in 2025.
In Europe, countries are taking different approaches. The United Kingdom plans to retire both 2G and 3G by 2033, while Germany ended 3G in 2021 and is targeting 2G retirement by 2028.
France plans to maintain 2G until the end of 2026 and 3G until 2029, while several other European markets have already begun shutting down substantial portions of their 3G infrastructure.
Japan ended 2G as far back as 2012 and is completing its 3G transition, while China has been progressively reducing its reliance on both 2G and 3G networks.
Balancing Modernisation With Inclusion
For Nigeria, the challenge is to modernise its telecommunications infrastructure without leaving users behind.
The rapid expansion of 4G and 5G offers greater speeds and capacity for digital services, but the continued reliance on 2G by tens of millions of subscribers demonstrates that the country’s connectivity transition is still incomplete.
As operators consider retiring 3G networks, the next phase of Nigeria’s telecom development will therefore depend on how effectively users can move from legacy technologies to affordable smartphones and reliable 4G and 5G services.
The transition could ultimately improve network efficiency and user experience, but ensuring that the millions still dependent on older networks can make the journey with it will remain a key test for Nigeria’s digital inclusion ambitions.
