NCC Approves 3-Year National Roaming Deal Between MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile to Boost Coverage and Collaboration

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted regulatory approval for a groundbreaking three-year national roaming agreement between MTN Nigeria Communications Plc and Emerging Markets Telecommunications Services Limited, widely known as 9Mobile.

The landmark agreement allows 9Mobile subscribers to seamlessly roam on MTN Nigeria’s expansive network infrastructure across the country, significantly improving service delivery and mobile connectivity in underserved areas.

In a regulatory filing with the Nigerian Exchange, MTN Nigeria confirmed the deal, stating:

“The agreement allows 9Mobile subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN Nigeria’s network, fostering industry collaboration and enhancing operational efficiencies. By leveraging our extensive coverage, 9Mobile can now provide improved mobile communication services to its customers.”

Strategic Collaboration for a Connected Nigeria

MTN Nigeria CEO, Karl Toriola, described the partnership as a strategic step toward bridging coverage gaps and promoting national connectivity.

“This agreement represents a significant milestone in our commitment to improving customer experience, deepening industry collaboration, and supporting the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria. Delivering the scale required for telecom services in Nigeria demands collaboration across the private sector, public institutions, and long-term investors.”

The roaming arrangement supports sustainable industry growth by encouraging the efficient use of existing infrastructure, reducing capital and operational expenditures, and expanding nationwide access to reliable mobile services.

Market Dynamics and Industry Context

As of March 2025, Nigeria recorded over 172 million mobile subscriptions. MTN Nigeria leads the market with 90.4 million active lines, commanding a 52.48% market share. In contrast, 9Mobile holds just 2.8 million active subscriptions, representing 1.72% of the market.

While other major operators experienced subscriber growth between February and March 2025, 9Mobile’s numbers remained unchanged—attributed to restrictions that limited user porting during the period.

This agreement builds on the NCC’s long-standing push for infrastructure sharing in the telecom industry. In 2020, the Commission approved a pilot roaming project between MTN and 9Mobile in Ondo State, laying the groundwork for the broader nationwide implementation now approved.

Looking Ahead

The roaming deal not only aims to enhance network access for 9Mobile subscribers but also aligns with the NCC’s broader strategy of promoting shared infrastructure to improve telecom service delivery and digital inclusion in Nigeria.