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By Osasome, C.O and Nana Theresa Timothy
Mafab Communications, one of Nigeria’s three licensed 5G operators, has announced plans to strengthen its commercial operations by March 2025. The company will roll out its high-speed 5G services through 102 operational sites strategically located in Kano and Abuja.
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Starting in April 2025, subscribers with Mafab’s 5G routers will be able to enjoy ultra-fast connectivity on its expanding network. This move aims to capture a wider share of Nigeria’s growing demand for 5G services. MTN, which currently dominates the market, remains the only active 5G provider since operators were licensed over two years ago.
Expanding Beyond Lagos
Mafab officially launched its 5G services in Lagos in January 2023, making headlines as part of the new wave of 5G technology introduced into Nigeria. However, since its initial rollout, the company has faced delays in scaling its services nationwide. This has led to skepticism about its ability to compete in Nigeria’s competitive telecom landscape.
Senior company officials in Abuja disclosed that this new rollout marks a turning point for the operator. Mafab is aiming to leverage its infrastructure to provide reliable, high-speed connectivity in underserved regions like Kano and Abuja.
Challenges and Perceptions
Mafab’s journey into Nigeria’s telecom sector has been marked by challenges. Some industry analysts have labeled it a “dormant 5G operator.” They are citing its delays and minimal market impact compared to more established players like MTN and Airtel.
However, Adebayo Onigbanjo, Mafab’s Chief Operating Officer, counters this perception.
He said “as the newest player in the market, our focus has been on fine-tuning infrastructure deployment and ensuring a solid foundation for sustainable operations.”
History and Licensing
Mafab Communications Limited was incorporated on July 8, 2020, and later licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide local interconnect and international carrier services. It was granted a Unified Access Service License (UASL) and numbering plan in July 2022, enabling phased deployment of its 5G network.
Despite its aspirations, Mafab’s growth has been hindered by funding challenges and difficulties in securing suitable technical partners. Experts believe the economic downturn and market skepticism that followed Mafab’s licensing contributed to the delays.
“Nigeria’s shrinking economy and the cautious outlook among investors made it challenging for Mafab to hit the ground running. However, it appears the company is now poised to overcome these initial headwinds,” said an Abuja-based telecom expert.
Future Prospects
Mafab’s renewed efforts to expand 5G coverage could reshape Nigeria’s telecommunications industry by providing competition to incumbent players. With plans to establish a significant presence in Kano and Abuja, the company is positioning itself as a viable alternative in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
As Mafab aims to establish itself as a serious contender in Nigeria’s 5G market, its success will depend on maintaining momentum, addressing operational bottlenecks, and delivering consistent service quality to consumers.
Expansion signals critical step in Mafab’s 5G journey
Mafab’s March 2025 expansion signals a critical step in its journey to becoming a prominent player in Nigeria’s telecom sector. By targeting regions beyond Lagos, the company seeks to close the digital divide and bring high-speed internet to more Nigerians. This development is poised to contribute to Nigeria’s broader digital economy goals while providing consumers with greater access to transformative 5G technology.
