In a historic development poised to transform Nigeria’s telecom industry, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9mobile) have officially unveiled a nationwide roaming partnership, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This three-year agreement allows 9mobile subscribers to access MTN’s extensive network seamlessly, significantly expanding 9mobile’s coverage and enhancing service quality for millions of users. The partnership exemplifies a shift towards greater industry collaboration, aligning with the NCC’s vision for a more inclusive and efficient digital ecosystem.
Beyond infrastructure sharing, the deal aims to improve operational efficiency, strengthen network connectivity, and elevate the user experience. Additionally, it opens doors for deeper strategic cooperation, including a proposed spectrum leasing arrangement in which 9mobile will lease its 900MHz (5MHz) and 1800MHz (15MHz) bands to MTN for three years—further boosting network capacity and service reliability.
“This partnership marks a significant resurgence for 9mobile,” stated Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of 9Mobile. “It empowers us to better serve our customers—especially youth and enterprise clients—by providing consistent, high-quality connectivity as we expand into new cities over the coming weeks.”
Banigbe also expressed gratitude to Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of 9mobile, the NCC leadership, and Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, for fostering an environment that encourages such progressive collaborations.
“In today’s telecom landscape, access to infrastructure is more strategic than ownership,” Banigbe emphasized. “Rather than duplicating networks, we are investing in shared access that is both sustainable and commercially viable. Infrastructure costs can constitute up to 75% of an operator’s expenses, so sharing enables us to reinvest in innovation and improve customer experiences. At 9mobile, our mantra is simple: build where necessary, share where possible.”
MTN Nigeria CEO Dr. Karl Toriola also highlighted the significance of the agreement, stating, “This collaboration represents a milestone for the Nigerian telecom sector. It underscores our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria.”
He praised Dr. Tijani’s efforts in promoting industry collaboration as a driver of increased digital access, improved service quality, and national inclusion.
This groundbreaking partnership sets a new standard for infrastructure sharing in Nigeria, demonstrating how competitors can work together to overcome systemic challenges, reduce duplication, and collectively advance the industry—ultimately delivering broader coverage, superior services, and faster access to emerging technologies for Nigerian consumers.
