MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile Ink Landmark Roaming Agreement to Expand Nationwide Coverage
MTN Nigeria has officially signed a three-year national roaming agreement with 9Mobile, a deal that has been formally approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape and is expected to enhance mobile coverage and service quality, especially in underserved areas.
The agreement will allow 9Mobile subscribers to roam on MTN Nigeria’s extensive network, ensuring uninterrupted access to voice and data services across the country.
Roaming Deal to Bridge Coverage Gaps in Nigeria
As part of the agreement, 9Mobile users will be able to access MTN’s network in areas where 9Mobile has limited or no coverage. This will improve customer experience, promote infrastructure sharing, and increase service availability for millions of Nigerians.
“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 Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria.
He emphasised the importance of public-private collaboration to scale infrastructure and deliver reliable telecom services across Nigeria.
Supporting NCC’s Digital Inclusion Agenda
The roaming deal aligns with the NCC’s national broadband and digital inclusion strategy, aiming to make quality telecom services accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of location.
By leveraging MTN’s expansive infrastructure, 9Mobile can now serve more users in rural and remote regions, bridging Nigeria’s digital divide. This agreement is viewed as a model for sustainable telecom cooperation and a step forward for national connectivity.
Strategic Collaboration for Industry Sustainability
The landmark deal not only optimises infrastructure usage but also supports MTN Nigeria’s broader corporate strategy of driving inclusive digital access and financial inclusion. “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,” Toriola added.
Regulatory Approval and Market Disclosure
The agreement, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission, was officially disclosed to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and the investing public on June 30, 2025. The disclosure was signed off by Uto Ukpanah, Company Secretary of MTN Nigeria.
Looking Ahead: MTN’s Commitment to Innovation and Partnerships
MTN Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to building strategic partnerships that foster network expansion, technological innovation, and national digital transformation. The company reiterated its role in advancing Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem through collaboration and shared infrastructure.
The MTN-9Mobile national roaming agreement signals a shift toward greater cooperation within Nigeria’s telecom sector. With NCC approval, the partnership is set to enhance connectivity, improve service quality, and support Nigeria’s broader vision for a digitally inclusive future.
