MTN Nigeria Plc has cemented a national roaming agreement with Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9mobile), aimed at improving coverage and industry collaboration.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved the three-year deal, which allows 9mobile subscribers to use MTN’s network infrastructure to make calls, send SMS and access mobile data.
In a statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, MTN’s company secretary and filed with the Nigerian Exchange, the telecom giant noted that the agreement supports more efficient use of resources and aligns with its commitment to industry sustainability and expanding nationwide connectivity.
“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,” Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO, said.
“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.”
The development follows a pilot initiative launched in 2020, when MTN and 9mobile tested limited national roaming service for three months in select locations.
That pilot helped assess the technical and commercial feasibility of the collaboration.
The need for a permanent arrangement became apparent as 9mobile struggled with market share, limited network coverage, and financial constraints.
The new agreement is expected to reduce 9mobile’s cost of operations while allowing it to extend its reach without building additional infrastructure.
MTN Nigeria reiterated its commitment to fostering innovation and partnerships that create sustainable value for all stakeholders while promoting digital and financial inclusion across the country.
