A new report by Ookla Advanced Analytics Services AAS highlights trends in mobile network coverage and signal quality across Nigeria's road network, revealing both progress and gaps in connectivity for travelers.
The analysis, covering approximately 292,000 km of primary, secondary, and trunk roads, found that major highways in southern and central Nigeria, including the Lagos-Abuja-Port Harcourt corridors, enjoy robust mobile signal coverage. In contrast, northern border regions face significant areas of sparse coverage. While total network blackouts are rare, primary roads account for the largest "zero service" gaps, totaling 326 km, compared to only 51 km on trunk roads. Secondary and trunk roads generally offer strong coverage, though feeder routes remain more vulnerable to disconnection.
The report also evaluated operator performance along highways. Notably, mobile operator T2 outperformed larger legacy carriers, maintaining signals strictly within technical standards across monitored routes. Technical compliance was measured based on both signal strength and quality, with 4G emerging as the reliable standard for in-transit connectivity. Although 5G provides the strongest raw signals, its limited reach reduces its effectiveness on the move. Meanwhile, 3G continues to serve as a fallback, particularly in rural areas.
