President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the launch of Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, calling it a positive step towards greater transparency, consumer protection and better telecommunications services in the country.
The initiative was unveiled in Lagos on Friday, 30 October 2026, at an event attended by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida. It lets subscribers get information on network developments in their areas and report service problems directly to the operator.
According to the President, the move aligns with his administration’s commitment to encouraging private-sector investment, expanding digital infrastructure and ensuring Nigerians enjoy more reliable and accessible telecommunications services.
He also praised the NCC’s public network coverage maps, performance data and consumer satisfaction surveys, saying they help Nigerians understand the services available to them and hold operators accountable.
Tinubu pointed to the federal government’s recent Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Initiative, which the NCC is implementing with the Federal Ministry of Education and telecom operators. The programme gives eligible students up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and learning resources. He said it reflects his administration’s resolve to make digital opportunities more accessible, especially to young Nigerians.
Recalling his February 2025 meeting at the State House, Abuja, with Bharti Airtel’s Founder and Chairman, Sunil Mittal, the President said he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a favourable environment for telecom investment, a stronger regulatory framework and the protection of critical digital infrastructure.
He commended Airtel Nigeria for expanding its network from about 15,000 sites two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide. The expansion includes over 1,050 sites added in the company’s 2025/26 financial year, 657 of which are 5G sites.
Tinubu said sustained investment in telecom infrastructure is vital to widening broadband access, improving network capacity and supporting businesses, education and economic opportunities across the country.
He also commended the NCC, under Dr Maida’s leadership, for its efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote transparency and protect consumers.
The President urged operators to keep investing in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, and to ensure customer complaints are handled promptly. He stressed that the success of telecom investment and innovation must be measured by the experience of Nigerians who rely on the services for their livelihoods, businesses and daily communication.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a business environment that encourages responsible investment and innovation while keeping consumer interests central. He called on operators to turn their investments into better coverage, fewer service disruptions and more responsive customer service.
The President’s position was contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
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