Two major telecom operators, 9mobile and MTN Nigeria, have signed a landmark infrastructure-sharing agreement, marking the beginning of a new era of “co-opetition” in the industry.
The partnership is already in early deployment stages, with testing ongoing in select regions. Full nationwide rollout is expected before the end of July, pending successful validation of the system’s stability.
The agreement, backed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), allows 9mobile to utilise MTN’s expansive radio access network infrastructure to deliver improved nationwide coverage to its subscribers, while maintaining its independent core network, billing systems, and service identity.
Described as the first of its kind in Nigeria and rare across West, Central, and East Africa, the deal highlights a growing trend where telecom companies collaborate on infrastructure while continuing to compete on service quality, innovation, and pricing.
The CEO of 9Mobile, Obafemi Banigbe, at a joint press conference, in Lagos, on Thursday, said this is a very big moment for the telecom industry.
“Today, we are proud to confirm that we have entered into a three-year national infrastructure-sharing agreement with MTN. This partnership allows us to deliver better coverage by leveraging MTN’s radio access infrastructure in areas where we do not currently have a presence. It is not a merger or coalition, it is a commercial partnership grounded in industry efficiency,” Banigbe explained.
Banigbe explained that the agreement aligns with 9mobile’s long-standing strategy: “Build where we must, and share where we can.” He emphasized that the move would not only improve customer experience but also reduce capital expenditure, making the telecom ecosystem more attractive to investors.
“This collaboration allows us to scale without duplicating infrastructure, which is one of the most capital-intensive challenges in the telecom business. With Nigeria projected to reach 400 million people in the next 20 to 25 years, and 70 per cent of that population under 30, we believe the market is still ripe for sustainable growth and innovation,” he noted.
“There is no freeloading here. This is not a subsidy or a favor, it is a commercial arrangement that allows both operators to deliver quality service to Nigerians. Our subscribers remain 9mobile subscribers. They are billed by 9mobile, and their experience remains seamless.
“This partnership unlocks new possibilities not just for us, but for the industry,” Banigbe concluded. “It redefines what competition means and shows that collaboration can coexist with innovation. We believe this is the future of telecoms in Nigeria,” Banigbe clarified.
On her part, the chief enterprise business officer at MTN Nigeria, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, said the partnership exemplifies the emerging spirit of “co-opetition”, a hybrid of competition and cooperation—within the industry.
“This is a pioneering agreement. We are excited to be part of a shift from pure competition to co-opetition, collaborating in areas where we can drive efficiency, while still competing on service and innovation. We are proud to work with 9mobile on this and to be pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Nigerian telecoms,” she said.
Saint-Nwafor lauded the NCC and its executive vice chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, for fostering the regulatory environment necessary to enable such forward-thinking industry collaborations. She also commended the minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for championing industry sustainability and cost-effective innovation.
“Industry sustainability is a shared goal. With the NCC and the Ministry pushing for deeper digital inclusion and infrastructure optimisation, this deal is very much aligned with national priorities,” she said.
Both executives reiterated that the agreement is commercially driven. MTN will charge 9mobile based on a mutually agreed framework, ensuring profitability for both parties.
The partnership is already in early deployment stages, with testing ongoing in select regions. Full nationwide rollout is expected before the end of July, pending successful validation of the system’s stability.
Industry analysts view the partnership as a practical response to the growing demand for mobile data and improved connectivity, especially in underserved regions. By avoiding duplication and maximising the use of existing infrastructure, both companies aim to offer broader, more reliable service while reducing operational costs.
Saint-Nwafor added that the move mirrors global best practices in telecoms. “In the past, every operator built their own towers, even in the same location. Today, we have moved beyond tower-sharing to radio access sharing. This is how we build a modern, capital-efficient, and customer-focused industry,” she affirmed.
The NCC has been vocal in its support for shared infrastructure as a means of deepening broadband penetration, improving service delivery, and reducing costs. With this partnership, 9mobile and MTN have set a precedent that could spur more collaboration among telecom operators in Nigeria.
