President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, describing it as a step towards greater transparency, consumer protection and improved telecommunications services across the country.
The initiative, launched in Lagos 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 signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu welcomes Airtel’s open network launch, commends investment in telecoms infrastructure’, the President said the initiative aligned with his administration’s commitment to encouraging private-sector investment, expanding digital infrastructure and improving access to reliable telecommunications services.
He also welcomed the NCC’s efforts to make network coverage maps, performance data and consumer satisfaction surveys publicly available, noting that such measures would enable Nigerians to understand available services and hold operators accountable.
Tinubu urged telecommunications operators to sustain investments in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, while ensuring that customer complaints received prompt attention.
He emphasised that the value of investments in the telecommunications sector should ultimately be measured by the quality of services experienced by Nigerians, including improved coverage, fewer disruptions and more responsive customer support.
The President further highlighted the Federal Government’s 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 initiative provides eligible students with up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and learning resources.
Tinubu also recalled his February 2025 meeting at the State House in Abuja with the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, during which he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a favourable investment environment, strengthening the regulatory framework and protecting critical digital infrastructure.
He noted that Airtel Nigeria had increased its network infrastructure from approximately 15,000 sites two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide.
The expansion included more than 1,050 network sites added during the company’s 2025/26 financial year, of which 657 were fifth-generation (5G) sites.
“Sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure is essential to expanding broadband access, improving network capacity, and supporting businesses, education, and economic opportunities across Nigeria,” the President said.
He commended the NCC, under Dr Maida’s leadership, for its efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote transparency and protect consumers.
Tinubu said telecommunications operators must translate their infrastructure investments into tangible improvements for subscribers, whose livelihoods, businesses and everyday communication increasingly depend on reliable network services.
