MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited, trading as 9mobile, have formally launched a national infrastructure partnership to advance telecommunications access across Nigeria.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved the three-year national roaming agreement, enabling 9mobile subscribers to seamlessly connect using MTN Nigeria’s extensive network infrastructure. This development is expected to significantly boost 9mobile’s network coverage and service quality nationwide.
Speaking at the announcement, Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, Mr. Obafemi Banigbe, described the collaboration as a major milestone in the telco’s strategic resurgence, emphasizing its focus on youthful and enterprise customers.
“This agreement allows us to serve our customers more effectively, rolling out city by city with enhanced network access,” Banigbe said.
He credited the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, and the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for their support in fostering resource-efficient industry collaboration.
Banigbe explained that the cost of building network infrastructure accounts for 70–75 per cent of operator expenses, making access-sharing both economically viable and consumer-focused.
“Our mantra is simple: build infrastructure where necessary, share it where possible,” he added.
Under the partnership, 9mobile will lease portions of its spectrum — 5MHz on the 900MHz band and 15MHz on the 1800MHz band — to MTN Nigeria, further enhancing MTN’s capacity and accelerating service delivery.
Dr. Karl Toriola, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, welcomed the development, noting that it aligns with the NCC’s vision for inclusive digital transformation.
“This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and strategic partnerships that drive national connectivity,” Toriola said.
He commended the Minister of Communications for championing inclusive digital access and industry cooperation.
The NCC described the deal as a pivotal moment for the sector, reiterating its commitment to policies that promote sustainable growth, competition, and equitable access to telecom services.
NAN reports that the agreement is expected to streamline operations, cut infrastructural redundancies, and fast-track broader technological inclusion for Nigerian consumers.
