A new chapter has dawned in Nigeria’s telecommunications narrative, promising unparalleled connectivity and a transformed user experience across the nation. In a strategic move that has sent ripples of excitement through the industry, MTN Nigeria and 9mobile have officially cemented a three-year national roaming agreement. This landmark collaboration, hot on the heels of regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is set to significantly boost service availability and quality for millions of Nigerians.
For too long, subscribers, especially those in underserved regions, have grappled with inconsistent network coverage. While MTN boasts an extensive nationwide infrastructure, 9mobile, despite its innovative spirit, has faced challenges in expanding its reach. This new partnership directly addresses that disparity. Under the terms of the agreement, 9mobile subscribers will now seamlessly roam on MTN’s robust network, ensuring uninterrupted voice calls, data access, and a generally improved mobile experience, even in areas where 9mobile previously had limited or no coverage.
Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, encapsulated the spirit of this collaboration. “This agreement represents a significant step in our commitment to driving industry collaboration, improving customer experience, and supporting the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria,” he stated. “Delivering the scale required for telecommunications services in Nigeria requires strong collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and long-term investors.
This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we collaborate, and we are delighted to announce it today after months of groundwork.”
On the other side of the groundbreaking deal, Mr. Obafemi Banigbe, CEO of 9mobile, echoed the sentiment of a new era. “This is the first time such a collaboration is being implemented in this region,” Banigbe revealed, highlighting the pioneering nature of the agreement. “We are proud to be pioneers of a model that prioritizes efficiency and customer experience over duplication.” He further elaborated on 9mobile’s new operating philosophy: “I will build infrastructure where I must, and I will share infrastructure where I can.” This approach, he noted, aligns perfectly with their aim for capital efficiency and optimized returns.
The benefits for consumers are immediate and far-reaching. Imagine a 9mobile subscriber traveling to a remote village, previously a black hole for their network, now able to make calls and browse the internet without a hitch, thanks to MTN’s pervasive coverage. This seamless transition ensures that individuals and businesses alike can stay connected, fostering economic growth and social inclusion.
Beyond the immediate customer benefit, this agreement also signifies a broader shift in the Nigerian telecoms landscape towards “co-opetition”—a blend of cooperation and competition. It’s a strategic move that promotes optimal utilization of existing infrastructure, reducing the need for costly duplication of network rollout. This efficiency, in turn, can free up capital for further innovation and investment in customer-centric services.
As Mr. Banigbe clarified, this is not a merger, but a commercially viable partnership. “It is a commercial partnership. It is a win-win for both parties. It is not a freeloader; both of us are paying for services we render for each other,” he emphasized. 9mobile will maintain its distinct core network and brand identity, while leveraging MTN’s extensive radio access network. In a symbiotic exchange, MTN also gains access to 9mobile’s valuable spectrum holdings, including the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands, further strengthening its own network capabilities.
The journey to this agreement was not an overnight one, with a successful three-month trial period in Ondo State back in 2020 paving the way for this nationwide rollout. This historical partnership, sanctioned by the NCC, is a testament to the commission’s long-standing advocacy for
infrastructure sharing as a means to achieve universal service and enhance quality of experience for all Nigerians.
As the implementation kicks off in the coming weeks, millions of 9mobile subscribers can anticipate a dramatic improvement in their connectivity. This strategic alliance between MTN Nigeria and 9mobile is more than just a business deal; it’s a powerful statement about the future of telecommunications in Nigeria – one built on collaboration, efficiency, and a shared vision of a truly connected nation.
