MTN 9mobile roaming agreement enables improved coverage, stronger networks, and better service for subscribers across Nigeria. NCC backs this milestone collaboration

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a landmark development for the telecommunications industry, MTN 9mobile roaming agreement has officially launched, with the endorsement of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

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This national roaming deal promises to reshape how subscribers access mobile networks across Nigeria.

The agreement, lasting for three years, allows 9mobile users to seamlessly roam on MTN Nigeria’s extensive network infrastructure.

As a result, 9mobile subscribers can now expect wider coverage, fewer connectivity issues, and significantly better service, particularly in underserved and rural areas.

This move represents a powerful industry collaboration that aligns perfectly with the NCC’s forward-thinking vision for digital inclusion.

The partnership is not limited to roaming alone. It lays the groundwork for a deeper relationship, including a proposed spectrum leasing arrangement.

Under this proposed deal, 9mobile would lease portions of its 900MHz and 1800MHz spectrum to MTN, thereby enhancing MTN’s service capacity and network resilience.

“This partnership marks a bold resurgence for 9mobile,” said Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile.

“It empowers us to meet the needs of our customers, especially youthful and enterprise users, by delivering consistent, high-quality service as we roll out city by city in the weeks ahead.”

He went on to thank Dr. Aminu Maida of the NCC and Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, for their strategic leadership and encouragement of collaborative solutions in the sector.

Banigbe further noted that traditional models of infrastructure ownership are rapidly evolving. “Access to infrastructure is now more important than ownership,” he added.

“Rather than duplicating networks, we’re investing in access that is commercially viable and sustainable. Network infrastructure typically accounts for 70–75% of an operator’s costs, so we can reinvest in innovation and customer experience by saving here. At 9mobile, our mantra is simple: build infrastructure where necessary, share it where possible.”

Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, also expressed enthusiasm. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to industry innovation, customer-centricity, and support for the NCC’s goal of a fully connected Nigeria,” he said.

“It reflects our shared value philosophy, prioritising partnerships that benefit the entire ecosystem.”

The agreement is being seen as a historic milestone that could influence how telecom operators in Nigeria view competition and resource optimisation.

By leveraging each other’s strengths, MTN and 9mobile are setting a precedent that encourages efficiency and customer-first strategies.

What makes this development particularly impactful is its potential to bridge digital divides across the country.

Rural and remote communities, long plagued by inconsistent service, now stand to benefit from broader access and faster speeds.

The NCC’s approval also sends a strong signal to the rest of the industry: cooperation can be more valuable than rivalry.

For regulators, operators, and consumers alike, the MTN 9mobile roaming agreement is more than just a technical milestone—it is a strategic realignment in the delivery of digital services.

Telecom analysts suggest this model could soon extend to more players, resulting in a more robust and efficient market.

Such alliances could be key to achieving Nigeria’s digital transformation goals faster than initially projected.

By prioritising smart infrastructure sharing over costly duplication, this agreement demonstrates that progress in telecom can be collaborative.

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The Nigerian telecom sector may be at the dawn of a new era where working together yields better service, broader access, and long-term value for everyone involved.