MTN Nigeria has received regulatory approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to lease spectrum from T2 Mobile Limited (formerly 9Mobile), a move that underscores MTN’s commitment to expanding broadband connectivity and enhancing network resilience across Nigeria.
Details of the Spectrum Lease Agreement
Under the agreement, which becomes effective on 1 October 2025, MTN Nigeria will lease 5MHz FDD in the 900MHz band and 15MHz FDD in the 1800MHz band from T2 Mobile. The initial term of the lease is three years.
The arrangement is strategically aligned with MTN’s national roaming agreement with T2 Mobile, enabling MTN to manage increased network traffic generated from T2’s customer base while delivering seamless services nationwide. By accessing additional spectrum resources, MTN strengthens its ability to provide high-speed broadband in both urban and underserved regions.
Driving Collaboration and Digital Inclusion
MTN emphasized that this milestone reflects its broader Ambition 2025 strategy, which focuses on leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
“We are delighted with this milestone, which aligns with our Ambition 2025 strategy. It reaffirms our unwavering commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality connectivity to our customers. By leveraging additional spectrum resources, we are enhancing network capacity in a cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable way.”
— Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria
Toriola further highlighted MTN’s collaborative approach, pointing to key partnerships including:
- A national roaming agreement with T2 Mobile.
- The onboarding of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) onto its infrastructure.
These initiatives, he noted, are designed to foster innovation, expand service delivery, and ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem.
Ending Spectrum Lease with Ntel
In a related development, MTN Nigeria announced that it will not renew its one-year lease agreement with Natcom Development and Investment Ltd (Ntel). The existing agreement covers 5MHz FDD in the 900MHz band and 10MHz FDD in the 1800MHz band across 17 states. It is set to expire on 29 November 2025.
MTN stated that its decision reflects a strategic shift toward partnerships that align more closely with its long-term network expansion and digital transformation goals.
Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Telecom Industry
The NCC’s approval of this spectrum lease signals growing regulatory support for infrastructure sharing and spectrum optimization as a means to accelerate digital inclusion in Nigeria. With over 220 million mobile subscriptions and rising demand for data services, operators like MTN are under increasing pressure to expand capacity while maintaining quality of service.
By collaborating with T2 Mobile and embracing spectrum sharing, MTN is positioning itself to:
- Expand 4G and 5G rollout.
- Reduce network congestion in high-demand areas.
- Support Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (2020–2025), which targets 70% broadband penetration by 2025.
This development also reflects a broader trend of partnerships and mergers in the African telecom sector, as operators seek to pool resources to meet surging connectivity demands.
MTN Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to continuous investment in network infrastructure, spectrum assets, and collaborative initiatives that support Nigeria’s digital economy. With this new lease, the telecom giant is expected to deliver enhanced capacity, improved connectivity, and a stronger foundation for the country’s ongoing digital transformation.
