MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile have sealed a three-year national roaming deal, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). This landmark collaboration allows 9Mobile subscribers to tap into MTN’s extensive network coverage across Nigeria—especially in areas where 9Mobile’s presence is limited.
The partnership, which officially received the NCC’s nod, is a strategic move to bridge infrastructure gaps, support subscriber retention, and align with broader goals of inclusive mobile access. The roaming arrangement effectively transforms MTN’s expansive infrastructure into a shared asset, accessible to 9Mobile customers in real time.
Shared Infrastructure for a Shared Future
At its core, the agreement reflects a pragmatic shift in the telecommunications industry—from competition based purely on proprietary infrastructure to collaborative growth models. MTN’s statement to the Nigerian Exchange highlighted this intention, emphasizing that the arrangement would improve operational efficiency, foster sustainable development, and boost network quality for 9Mobile users.
“We believe the future of telecommunications lies in partnerships,” said MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola. “This agreement reflects months of meticulous planning and engagement, and it speaks to the value of collaboration in achieving nationwide connectivity goals. A connected Nigeria is not just a vision; it’s a necessity.”
Connectivity Where It’s Needed Most
For 9Mobile, this partnership could be a turning point. With just 2.8 million active subscribers compared to MTN’s 90.4 million, the operator has struggled with dwindling market share and inconsistent service coverage. By piggybacking on MTN’s infrastructure, 9Mobile can now offer subscribers a better experience in underserved regions—without the prohibitive cost of network expansion.
Industry analysts say the deal could stabilize 9Mobile’s user base and even provide room for modest growth. While other telecoms like Airtel and Glo continue to grow steadily, 9Mobile’s stagnant numbers between February and March 2025 underscored its service limitations. Customers, unable to port out due to technical constraints, were effectively stuck—until now.
A Nod to the Regulator’s Long-Term Vision
The NCC has long championed infrastructure sharing as a cost-saving, efficiency-boosting solution in the telecom sector. From shared towers to roaming agreements, the commission views collaboration as a tool to democratize connectivity and reduce duplication of network assets.
This isn’t the first time MTN and 9Mobile have tested the waters. A pilot project launched in Ondo State back in 2020 served as the proving ground for this national rollout. Its success paved the way for the broader agreement now in place.
A Win for Consumers, and the Industry
While the commercial implications are clear, this partnership is ultimately a win for consumers—particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas where connectivity remains patchy. With national roaming now in effect, 9Mobile subscribers can expect fewer dropped calls, better data access, and a more reliable mobile experience.
