9mobile rises again as T2 in bold rebrand signals digital comeback

In a landmark move aimed at reclaiming market relevance, Nigeria’s former 9mobile officially relaunched itself as T2, ushering in a new era of digital-first ambition and innovation.

The unveiling, which took place in Lagos on August 8, 2025, was marked by a shift from the familiar green to a vibrant orange—symbolizing maturity and readiness for the future.

CEO Obafemi Banigbe framed the transition not as a mere cosmetic facelift, but as a comprehensive transformation: “This is not just a brand unveiling, it is the beginning of a whole new chapter … We are no longer who we were; we are becoming something greater, more ambitious, and more in tune with the future.”

T2 now positions itself as a cloud-native, data-driven, API-ready platform, promising faster, personalized offerings underpinned by artificial intelligence and advanced analytics.

The rebrand is deeply rooted in 9mobile’s tumultuous history. Originally Etisalat Nigeria, the company hit rough waters in 2017 after Etisalat’s exit following a $1.2 billion debt default.

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Since then, its subscriber base plummeted from over 22 million to under 3 million, with market share falling below 2%

Banigbe acknowledged this challenging journey, saying, “Our scars are not signs of defeat; they are reminders of our resilience.”

T2’s revival is reinforced by a three-year national roaming agreement with MTN, allowing broader coverage for customers through MTN’s infrastructure—particularly vital in underserved areas

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, commended the rebrand but urged the company to match its renewed identity with improved service delivery:

“Let this rebrand be more than a change of colours or logo … Let it be a renewed commitment to innovation, service excellence, and the millions of Nigerians whose lives and businesses depend on your network.”

The rebrand reflects more than just a name change—it signifies a bold transformation strategy aimed at customer-centricity, agility, and technological prowess.

With ambitious infrastructure investments and strategic alliances, T2 is positioning itself for a comeback. Whether it can regain the trust and numbers it once held remains to be seen—but the foundation for revival is now firmly in place.