In a move set to reshape Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, MTN Nigeria Plc has signed a national roaming agreement with Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9mobile), enabling enhanced coverage and deeper collaboration between both operators. Approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the three-year agreement allows 9mobile subscribers to access MTN’s network infrastructure for calls, SMS, and mobile data—particularly in areas where 9mobile’s coverage is limited.
According to a corporate disclosure signed by MTN’s Company Secretary, Uto Ukpanah, and filed with the Nigerian Exchange, the deal reinforces the company’s strategic focus on resource efficiency and industry sustainability. It also aligns with MTN’s long-standing commitment to bridging Nigeria’s connectivity gaps through partnerships that leverage existing infrastructure. CEO Karl Toriola described the collaboration as a major leap toward improving service delivery and supporting the NCC’s goal of a fully connected nation.
“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,” Toriola stated. He added that the deal underscores what’s possible when private and public sector players align toward a common goal, following months of groundwork and a successful pilot scheme.
The new agreement stems from a trial initiative launched in 2020, during which both operators tested national roaming in select locations. As 9mobile faced mounting operational costs, shrinking market share, and constrained network infrastructure, the need for a long-term solution became more urgent. With this partnership, 9mobile can now extend its service reach without the heavy capital burden of expanding its own network, while MTN Nigeria continues to position itself as a key enabler of digital and financial inclusion nationwide.