The granting of licences to private telecoms operators marked a turning point in the sector. By the early 2000s, 2G networks made voice calls and short messaging services possible for millions who had never owned a phone. In 2019, Nigeria began trials of 5G technology to test its suitability for the local environment. By 2022, major telecoms operators had rolled out 5G services in select cities. Looking back, the journey from 2G to 5G reflects both progress and challenges in Nigeria’s telecoms sector.