Tinubu Welcomes Airtel’s 5G Expansion, Seeks Wider Network Coverage

President Bola Tinubu yesterday welcomed the launch of Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, describing it as a positive step towards greater transparency, consumer protection and improved telecommunications services in Nigeria.

The initiative, unveiled in Lagos yesterday at an event attended by the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, allows subscribers to access information about network developments

in their areas and report service difficulties directly to the operator.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the initiative aligned with his administration’s commitment to encouraging private-sector investment, expanding digital infrastructure, and ensuring Nigerians benefit from more reliable and accessible telecommunications services.

He welcomed the growing emphasis on transparency in the sector, including the NCC’s public network coverage maps, performance information and consumer satisfaction surveys, which help Nigerians better understand the services available to them and hold operators accountable.

The president also highlighted the federal government’s recent Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Initiative, implemented through the NCC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and telecommunications operators.

The programme, designed to provide eligible students with up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and learning resources, reflects his administration’s determination to make digital opportunities more accessible, particularly to young Nigerians.

President Tinubu recalled his meeting with the founder and chairman of Bharti Airtel, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, at the State House, Abuja, in February 2025, during which he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for telecommunications investment, strengthening the regulatory framework and protecting critical digital infrastructure.

He welcomed Airtel Nigeria’s continued investment in network expansion, which has seen its infrastructure grow from approximately 15,000 sites two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide.

The expansion includes more than 1,050 network sites added during the company’s 2025/26 financial year, including 657 5G sites.

President Tinubu said sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure is essential to expanding broadband access, improving network capacity, and supporting businesses, education, and economic opportunities across Nigeria.

He commended the NCC, under the leadership of Dr Maida, for its continued efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote transparency and protect telecommunications consumers.

The President urged operators to sustain investment in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, and ensure that customer complaints receive timely attention.

He emphasised that the success of telecommunications investment and innovation must ultimately be measured by the experience of Nigerians who depend on these services for their livelihoods, businesses and everyday communication.

President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a business environment that encourages responsible investment and innovation while ensuring that consumer interests remain central to telecommunications development.

He called on operators to translate their investments into better network coverage, fewer service disruptions and more responsive customer service for Nigerians.