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In a significant step towards deepening digital connectivity in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9mobile) have officially commenced the rollout of a national roaming agreement. Approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the strategic partnership is poised to reshape the competitive dynamics of the country’s telecommunications sector.
Under the three-year agreement, 9mobile subscribers will gain access to MTN’s extensive nationwide network infrastructure, allowing them to enjoy improved coverage and enhanced service quality—especially in underserved areas. The initiative underscores a shared commitment by both operators to deliver seamless connectivity while aligning with the NCC’s broader agenda for an inclusive and efficient telecom ecosystem.
The roaming arrangement reflects a growing trend of infrastructure-sharing within the industry, fostering operational efficiency and a better user experience. It also lays the groundwork for deeper collaboration between the two telcos, including a proposed spectrum leasing arrangement that would see 9mobile lease its 900MHz (5MHz) and 1800MHz (15MHz) bands to MTN Nigeria over the same three-year period. This would significantly bolster MTN’s network capacity and performance.
Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, described the agreement as a transformational moment for the company, stating, “This partnership represents a bold resurgence for 9mobile. It allows us to meet the evolving needs of our youthful and enterprise-focused customers, delivering consistent, high-quality service as we roll out city by city in the coming weeks.”
Banigbe commended the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, and Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, for creating an enabling environment for industry cooperation. “In today’s telecom landscape, access trumps ownership,” he noted. “Rather than duplicating costly infrastructure, we are investing in shared access that’s both commercially sustainable and consumer-centric.”
Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, called the agreement a major milestone for the industry. “This collaboration reflects MTN’s commitment to industry innovation, inclusive access, and support for the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria,” Toriola said. “It exemplifies our shared-value approach to partnerships that create lasting impact across the telecom ecosystem.”
He further praised Minister Tijani’s drive for meaningful collaboration as a catalyst for nationwide inclusion and digital expansion.
The landmark agreement marks one of the most progressive infrastructure-sharing models in Nigeria to date. By prioritizing synergy over rivalry, MTN and 9mobile are demonstrating how telcos can jointly address sector-wide challenges, reduce duplication, and enhance service delivery—ultimately benefiting millions of Nigerians through broader network access, improved service quality, and faster adoption of emerging technologies.
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