A new report has shown a marked improvement in mobile performance in Nigeria between the first quarter of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2025, driven using 4G.
Over the period, according to the latest data from nPerf reveal average download speeds doubled, rising from 7.1 Mbps to 14.7 Mbps, while upload speeds more than quadrupled, increasing from 1.77 Mbps to 7.28 Mbps.
This improvement comes in the context of rapid growth in mobile data consumption. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), volumes exchanged on mobile networks increased by 140% between January 2023 and November 2025, rising from 518,000 terabits to more than 1.23 million terabits.
This increase reflects the growing adoption of digital services and places additional pressure on mobile infrastructures.
An accelerated technological transition
The performance gains observed by nPerf are primarily driven by the widespread adoption of 4G.
Tests conducted in 4G on the networks of MTN, Airtel and Globacom now account for 64% of measurements, compared with 49% in 2022.
Operators play a central role in this transition through sustained investments in the expansion and modernization of their networks, notably through partnerships such as the one established between MTN and Airtel to improve coverage in rural areas.
New use cases enabled by improved speeds
The significant increase in mobile speeds over the past year in Nigeria opens the door to new use cases and opportunities for users, such as participating in videoconferences, carrying out online financial transactions, or watching movies and series on streaming platforms with relatively smooth playback.
Despite these speed increases paving the way for an improved online experience, the streaming performance measured by nPerf has not improved, and further efforts are still required from operators to enhance performance, for example by improving network densification, increasing interconnections, or deploying more YouTube cache servers within the country.
The nPerf application allows users to measure mobile connection performance on Android and iOS devices.
By assessing download and upload speeds, it helps users better understand the quality of their connection, whether for watching a movie via streaming or making a video call.
Still fragile accessibility
In November 2025, Nigeria reached a broadband penetration rate of 50.58%, thereby exceeding the initial target of 50% set for 2025.
However, disparities between urban and rural areas persist, and digital inclusion remains a major challenge.
Operators and the government continue to work on solutions to expand 4G and 5G coverage, while improving the accessibility and resilience of these infrastructures.
