9mobile has confirmed a national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria, with a full nationwide rollout of the service expected in July 2025. The deal, signed with Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited, will allow 9mobile subscribers to use MTN’s extensive network infrastructure across the country.
Speaking at a press briefing, 9mobile CEO Obafemi Banigbe said the company is currently testing the service in select regions to ensure smooth connectivity. He noted that all tests should be completed over the weekend, paving the way for full implementation this month.
Banigbe explained that subscribers will not need to take any additional steps once the service goes live. “If your number is active and you’ve recharged in the last 90 days, you don’t need to re-register. Just switch on your phone and connect,” he said.
He assured that customers would continue to enjoy services under the 9mobile brand, with billing and other features unchanged. The partnership, he added, is aimed at improving customer experience, expanding coverage, and boosting operational efficiency.
Banigbe emphasized that the agreement is a commercial arrangement that is beneficial to both parties while maintaining competition in the market. He said it also aligns with national efforts to attract foreign investment by reducing infrastructure duplication.
“This is about building sustainability and ensuring capital is deployed in ways that bring returns to investors,” he said, referencing the federal government’s drive to make Nigeria a preferred destination for technology investment.
MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, represented by Chief Enterprise Business Officer Lynda Saint-Nwafor, described the partnership as a landmark shift toward industry “co-opetition.” He said both firms will collaborate on efficiency while competing on service and innovation.
Toriola noted that the deal aligns with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s vision to deepen digital inclusion and thanked the NCC and Minister of Communications Bosun Tijani for enabling policies that support such strategic partnerships.
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