In a significant step for Nigeria’s telecom sector, MTN Nigeria has secured approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to lease spectrum from T2 Mobile Limited, formerly known as 9mobile. The agreement, effective 1 October 2025, grants MTN access to 5MHz FDD in the 900MHz band and 15MHz FDD in the 1800MHz band for an initial three-year period.
The lease arrangement underpins MTN’s national roaming agreement with T2 Mobile, ensuring the operator can handle additional network traffic from T2’s customer base. The move highlights an industry-wide trend towards collaboration, spectrum sharing, and initiatives aimed at expanding broadband access and advancing digital inclusion.
For MTN, the additional capacity will support surging demand for data and voice services, while aligning with its Ambition 2025 strategy. This framework prioritizes partnerships, infrastructure sharing, and environmentally sustainable practices to improve cost efficiency. CEO Karl Toriola emphasized that the deal enhances network capacity in a cost-effective and eco-friendly way while fostering a more collaborative telecom ecosystem, including onboarding MVNOs.
As part of this realignment, MTN will not renew its existing one-year lease with Natcom Development & Investment Limited (NTEL), which expires on 29 November 2025. That lease currently covers 5MHz in the 900MHz band and 10MHz in the 1800MHz band across 17 states.
The development also marks a positive step for T2 Mobile, which has seen its market share stabilize following years of turbulence. Though still relatively small, the operator is leveraging partnerships to regain ground in Nigeria’s competitive telecom sector.
