MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has received approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to lease frequency spectrum from T2 Mobile Limited, formerly known as 9Mobile, as part of its plan to boost network capacity and expand digital access in the country.
In a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public, MTN said the lease agreement will take effect from October 1, 2025. It covers 5 MHz frequency division duplex (FDD) in the 900 MHz band and 15 MHz FDD in the 1800 MHz band. The deal will run for an initial period of three years.
According to MTN, the spectrum lease is tied to its national roaming agreement with T2 Mobile. It will allow the company to handle increased network traffic from T2’s customer base by using its infrastructure. The company added that the move reflects its commitment to industry collaboration, infrastructure sharing, and the larger goal of driving digital inclusion in Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Karl Toriola, described the deal as a key milestone that fits into the company’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which seeks to improve connectivity and customer experience across the country.
“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,” Toriola said.
He added that MTN is working towards a more collaborative telecoms ecosystem, citing its recent partnership with T2 Mobile and its support for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). According to him, these steps will encourage innovation and ensure long-term sustainability in the Nigerian telecoms market.
Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria also disclosed that it will not renew its one-year spectrum lease agreement with Natcom Development and Investment Ltd (trading as ntel), which is set to expire on November 29, 2025. That lease currently covers 5 MHz FDD in the 900 MHz band and 10 MHz FDD in the 1800 MHz band across 17 states.
The company said it remains committed to investing in infrastructure and partnerships that will support the delivery of reliable, innovative, and high-quality telecommunications services to Nigerians.
The latest deal with T2 Mobile further strengthens MTN Nigeria’s position as the country’s largest telecom operator, serving over 80 million subscribers. With increased spectrum resources, the company is expected to improve service quality, reduce network congestion, and accelerate digital access in both urban and rural areas.
