MTN Nigeria has signed a three-year national roaming agreement with 9Mobile, allowing subscribers of the smaller operator to access MTN’s network infrastructure across the country.
This was made known in a disclosure notice released on Monday, signed by the company secretary, Uto Ukpanah.
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The deal, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is expected to improve coverage for 9Mobile customers, especially in areas where the operator has limited infrastructure.
It also marks a major shift in the competitive dynamics of Nigeria’s telecoms sector, where infrastructure sharing has long been discussed but rarely implemented at this scale.
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“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,” said MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola.
“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.”
9mobile customers have long complained of persistent network failures, prompting many to abandon the service and switch to rival providers.
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As of January 2025, the company’s active subscriber base had plunged to 3.2 million, according to data from the NCC, a steep fall from over 22 million at its peak in 2016.
The NCC has in recent years pushed for infrastructure sharing as a way to reduce duplication, lower costs, and accelerate access in rural areas.
MTN said the agreement supports its broader goals of promoting digital inclusion and sustainable industry growth.
