Telecom operators 9mobile and MTN Nigeria have confirmed a strategic national roaming agreement, with full nationwide implementation expected by the end of July.
The announcement was made at a joint press conference on Thursday in Lagos by Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Executive Officer of 9mobile, and Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer of MTN Nigeria.
Banigbe said roaming tests would conclude over the weekend, with deployment beginning shortly afterward, based on final results.
“By the end of this weekend (July 5–6), technical preparations for activation will be complete, allowing for immediate rollout,” Banigbe stated.
He noted that the partnership was the first of its kind in Nigeria and across West, Central, and East Africa, and would transform mobile connectivity for millions.
Banigbe underscored the strategic value of the deal, calling it a long-anticipated move by industry stakeholders.
“Today, we are proud to confirm a three-year national infrastructure-sharing agreement with MTN,” he announced.
Under the arrangement, 9mobile will leverage MTN’s radio infrastructure in areas where it lacks coverage.
“This is not a merger or coalition, but a commercial partnership focused on operational efficiency,” Banigbe clarified.
He added that the move aligns with 9mobile’s strategic principle: to build where necessary and share where possible.
According to Banigbe, the collaboration is expected to significantly enhance user experience, lower capital expenditure, and attract further telecom investment.
“This deal enables us to expand reach without duplicating infrastructure, which remains capital-intensive in our industry,” he said.
“With Nigeria’s population projected to hit 400 million in the next 20 to 25 years, and 70 percent under age 30, the telecom market remains full of potential.”
He stressed that the agreement is purely commercial.
“There’s no freeloading here. This isn’t a subsidy or a favour. It’s a commercial deal, ensuring both networks maintain quality service,” he emphasized.
Banigbe also confirmed that 9mobile subscribers would remain on the 9mobile network and be billed accordingly.
“This partnership unlocks new possibilities. It redefines competition and shows that collaboration can fuel innovation,” he added.
Saint-Nwafor described the deal as a prime example of “co-opetition”—a blend of cooperation and competition.
“This is pioneering. We are proud to move from pure rivalry to collaboration in infrastructure efficiency, while continuing to compete in service and innovation,” she said.
She commended 9mobile for its forward-thinking approach and praised the broader impact on Nigeria’s telecom landscape.
Saint-Nwafor also acknowledged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, for facilitating the agreement.
Additionally, she lauded the Minister of Communications, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for promoting sustainability and cost-effective innovation.
“Industry sustainability is our shared goal. This partnership supports national priorities like digital inclusion and infrastructure optimisation,” she concluded.
