On October 30, 2026, President Bola Tinubu welcomed the launch of Airtel Nigeria's Open Network initiative in Lagos. This development allows subscribers to access information about network developments in their areas and report service difficulties directly to the operator. The initiative aligns with Tinubu's administration commitment to encouraging private-sector investment and expanding digital infrastructure. The launch was attended by Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
President Tinubu emphasized that the Open Network initiative is a positive step towards greater transparency, consumer protection, and improved telecommunications services in Nigeria. He noted that the growing emphasis on transparency in the sector, including the NCC's public network coverage maps and performance information, will help Nigerians better understand available services and hold operators accountable. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure Nigerians benefit from more reliable and accessible telecommunications services.
The President highlighted his administration's recent Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Initiative, implemented through the NCC. This program provides eligible students with up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and learning resources. The initiative aims to make digital opportunities more accessible, particularly to young Nigerians. This move reflects Tinubu's administration's determination to bridge the digital divide and promote educational development.
During a meeting with Sunil Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, in February 2025, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to creating a favourable environment for telecommunications investment. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the regulatory framework and protecting critical digital infrastructure. Airtel Nigeria has continued to invest in network expansion, growing its infrastructure from approximately 15,000 sites to over 17,000 nationwide.
The expansion of Airtel's infrastructure includes over 1,050 network sites added during the 2025/26 financial year, including 657 5G sites. President Tinubu stressed that sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure is essential to expanding broadband access, improving network capacity, and supporting businesses, education, and economic opportunities across Nigeria. This investment will help bridge the digital divide and promote economic growth.
President Tinubu commended the NCC, under Dr. Aminu Maida's leadership, for its efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote transparency, and protect telecommunications consumers. He urged operators to sustain investment in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, and ensure timely attention to customer complaints. The President emphasized that the success of telecommunications investment and innovation must be measured by the experience of Nigerians who depend on these services.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to maintaining a business environment that encourages responsible investment and innovation while prioritizing consumer interests. He called on operators to translate their investments into better network coverage, fewer service disruptions, and more responsive customer service for Nigerians. The President's endorsement of Airtel's Open Network initiative underscores his administration's focus on promoting transparency and accountability in the telecommunications sector.
Key points
- President Tinubu welcomes Airtel's Open Network initiative for transparency and better telecom services.
- The initiative allows subscribers to access information about network developments and report service difficulties.
- The President emphasizes the importance of sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure to expand broadband access and support economic growth.
