MTN Nigeria has entered into a landmark three-year national roaming agreement with Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited, the parent company of 9mobile.
The agreement, disclosed by MTN in a regulatory filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Monday, marks a major milestone in industry collaboration, promising enhanced network accessibility and improved service delivery for millions of Nigerians.
A roaming agreement allows the subscribers of one network to access another’s infrastructure in areas where their provider lacks sufficient coverage. This new deal will allow 9mobile customers to enjoy seamless connectivity by tapping into MTN’s extensive network, especially in underserved or remote regions.
“By leveraging our extensive coverage, 9mobile can provide mobile communication services to its customers,” MTN stated. “This strategic collaboration is yet another first in the country by MTN Nigeria and marks a significant milestone for the sustainability of the telecommunications industry.”
MTN added that the move would enhance operational efficiency and reflect the company’s commitment to shared value creation and industry sustainability.
Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, hailed the agreement as a pivotal moment in the company’s commitment to collaboration and national connectivity.
“Delivering the scale required for telecommunications services in Nigeria requires strong collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and long-term investors,” Toriola said. “This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we collaborate, and we are delighted to announce it today after months of groundwork.”
The partnership aligns with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)’s vision of achieving a fully connected Nigeria. It is expected to accelerate digital and financial inclusion.