MTN Nigeria has entered into a landmark three-year national roaming agreement with Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited (EMTS), owners of 9mobile, marking a major step toward deeper industry collaboration and improved nationwide connectivity.
The agreement, disclosed in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) on Monday, allows 9mobile subscribers to roam on MTN’s expansive network across Nigeria.
In practical terms, this means 9mobile customers will be able to access voice and data services even in areas where their own network has limited or no coverage.
Roaming agreements like this are common in mature telecom markets, but still relatively novel in Nigeria.
This deal, the first of its kind in the country for MTN, could set a precedent for future partnerships aimed at optimizing infrastructure use.
“By leveraging our extensive coverage, 9mobile can provide mobile communication services to its customers,” MTN said in the statement. “This strategic collaboration is a significant milestone for the sustainability of the telecommunications industry.”
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MTN emphasized that the move reflects its broader mission to foster shared value, encourage resource efficiency, and support Nigeria’s digital expansion goals.
The agreement is also seen as aligned with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) vision of a fully connected nation.
Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, hailed the partnership as a strategic leap forward. “Delivering the scale required for telecommunications services in Nigeria requires strong collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and long-term investors,” he said. “This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together.”
MTN reiterated its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation and forming partnerships that benefit stakeholders, while helping bridge the digital divide across urban and rural communities.