In a strategic move aimed at transforming Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape and enhancing customer experience, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9mobile) have officially launched their national roaming agreement, following approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

At a joint press conference held on Thursday at L’eola Hotel, Maryland, Lagos, both telecom giants announced the rollout of the three-year partnership, which allows 9mobile subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN Nigeria’s expansive network. The agreement significantly boosts 9mobile’s coverage and service quality across the country.

This collaboration marks a notable shift toward increased cooperation within the telecom industry and aligns with the NCC’s vision for a more inclusive and efficient digital ecosystem.

Beyond simple infrastructure sharing, the deal promotes operational efficiency, stronger nationwide connectivity, and a vastly improved user experience. It also sets the stage for deeper technical collaboration, including a proposed spectrum leasing arrangement that will see 9mobile lease out 5MHz on the 900MHz band and 15MHz on the 1800MHz band to MTN over the agreement’s duration—enhancing MTN’s network capacity and performance.

“This partnership signals a bold revival for 9mobile,” said Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of 9mobile. “It equips us to better serve our customer base—particularly the youth and business segments—by delivering reliable service as we expand city by city in the coming weeks.”

Banigbe expressed appreciation to Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, for facilitating forward-thinking collaboration in the sector, and to Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, for championing a consumer-focused, resource-efficient telecom framework.

“In today’s telecom space, access trumps ownership,” Banigbe added. “Rather than duplicate infrastructure, we’re choosing access that’s commercially viable and sustainable. Infrastructure accounts for up to 75% of telecom operating costs—by saving here, we can reinvest in innovation and customer value.

“At 9mobile, our principle is clear: build infrastructure where necessary, and share it wherever possible.”

On his part, Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, hailed the partnership as a significant milestone for the sector. “This collaboration highlights our commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and support for the NCC’s ambition of a fully connected Nigeria,” Toriola said.

He praised Dr. Tijani for his role in promoting meaningful partnerships as a catalyst for digital access, improved service delivery, and inclusive connectivity.

This pioneering agreement sets a new precedent for infrastructure sharing in Nigeria, demonstrating how competitors can collaborate to overcome systemic challenges, eliminate duplication, and collectively drive industry-wide progress. For consumers, it promises wider coverage, better service, and quicker access to emerging technologies.