Trending 
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, saying it will promote transparency, protect consumers and improve telecommunications services across the country.
The initiative was launched in Lagos on Friday at an event attended by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida. It allows subscribers to access information about network developments in their areas and report service problems directly to Airtel.
Tinubu’s reaction was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “President Tinubu Welcomes Airtel’s Open Network Launch, Commends Investment in Telecoms Infrastructure”.
Read More : Kano Governor Swears in 19 Permanent Secretaries
According to the statement, the President said the initiative supports his administration’s efforts to attract private-sector investment, expand digital infrastructure and improve access to reliable telecommunications services.
He also welcomed efforts to make network performance information more accessible to Nigerians. These include the NCC’s public network coverage maps, performance data and consumer satisfaction surveys.
Tinubu said the information would help subscribers understand the services available to them and hold telecommunications operators accountable. He also highlighted the Nigerian Government’s Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Initiative.
The programme, implemented through the NCC in partnership with the National Ministry of Education and telecommunications operators, gives eligible students up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and learning materials.
Tinubu recalled his February 2025 meeting with Bharti Airtel Founder and Chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, at the State House in Abuja. He said he had reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for telecommunications investment, strengthening regulation and protecting critical digital infrastructure.
The President also highlighted Airtel Nigeria’s investment in network expansion. He said the company had increased its infrastructure from about 15,000 sites two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide. The expansion includes over 1,050 network sites added during the company’s 2025/26 financial year, including 657 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,” Tinubu said.
He commended the NCC, under Maida’s leadership, for its efforts to strengthen regulation, promote transparency and protect consumers.
Tinubu also urged telecommunications operators to continue expanding their networks, especially in underserved communities. He called on them to respond to customer complaints promptly.
He stressed that the value of investments in the sector should be measured by the quality of services Nigerians receive. The President said operators must turn their investments into wider network coverage, fewer service disruptions and better customer support.
