NCC approves 3-year national roaming deal between MTN Nigeria, 9Mobile to boost network access

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has given regulatory approval for a landmark three-year national roaming agreement between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (9Mobile), in a move aimed at improving connectivity and operational efficiency in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

The agreement, which was formally announced through a corporate disclosure to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) and the investing public, will allow 9Mobile subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN’s expansive network infrastructure in locations where 9Mobile has limited or no coverage.

In a joint statement, MTN Nigeria described the deal as a strategic collaboration designed to bolster mobile communication services, promote industry synergy, and improve the overall user experience for Nigerian telecom subscribers.

“This agreement allows 9Mobile subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN Nigeria’s network, fostering industry collaboration and enhancing operational efficiencies,” the statement read.

“By leveraging our extensive coverage, 9Mobile can now provide improved mobile communication services to its customers across the country.”

The arrangement is expected to bridge coverage gaps for 9Mobile users in underserved and rural communities by offering access to MTN’s robust network.

According to MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola, the deal reflects a commitment to shared infrastructure and supports the NCC’s broader vision of a digitally inclusive Nigeria.

“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.

“Delivering the scale required for telecom services in Nigeria demands collaboration among the private sector, regulators, and investors.”

The NCC, which has consistently advocated for infrastructure sharing among telecom operators, views such deals as key to reducing capital and operating expenditures while enabling broader access to digital services.

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As of March 2025, Nigeria’s total mobile subscriptions stood at over 172 million, with MTN Nigeria controlling 90.4 million active lines, accounting for 52.48% of market share.

In stark contrast, 9Mobile’s subscriber base remains at 2.8 million, representing just 1.72% of the market.

Over the years, 9Mobile has struggled with service quality and infrastructure challenges, leading to a steady decline in subscriber numbers.

Notably, between February and March 2025, while other major telecom operators recorded gains in subscribers, 9Mobile’s figures remained static, largely due to temporary porting restrictions.

This agreement could mark a turning point for the embattled operator, allowing it to stabilize service delivery and possibly regain lost market relevance.

The new deal builds on earlier efforts by the NCC to promote infrastructure sharing. In 2020, the commission approved a pilot roaming service between MTN and 9Mobile in Ondo State, aimed at evaluating service improvements and customer satisfaction under shared network arrangements.

Industry analysts see this national rollout as a significant evolution of that pilot project and a potential blueprint for future roaming and infrastructure-sharing agreements between telecom operators.