President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the launch of Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, describing it as a step towards greater transparency, consumer protection and improved telecommunications services in the country.
The initiative was unveiled in Lagos on Friday, October 30, 2026, 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 difficulties directly to the operator.
Tinubu said the initiative 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 welcomed the growing emphasis on transparency in the sector, including the NCC’s public network coverage maps, performance information and consumer satisfaction surveys, which enable Nigerians to assess available services and hold operators accountable.
The President also 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 programme provides eligible students with up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and learning resources, reflecting the administration’s commitment to expanding digital opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.
Tinubu recalled his meeting with the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, at the State House, Abuja, in February 2025, during which he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for telecommunications investment, strengthening the regulatory framework and protecting critical digital infrastructure.
He commended Airtel Nigeria for its continued investment in network expansion, noting that its infrastructure had grown from approximately 15,000 sites two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide.
The expansion includes more than 1,050 network sites added during the company’s 2025/26 financial year, comprising 657 5G sites.
According to the President, sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure is essential to expanding broadband access, improving network capacity and supporting businesses, education and economic opportunities across the country.
He also commended the NCC, under the leadership of Dr Maida, for its efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote transparency and protect telecommunications consumers.
Tinubu urged telecommunications operators to sustain investment in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, while ensuring that customer complaints receive prompt attention.
He stressed that the success of telecommunications investment and innovation must ultimately be measured by the experience of Nigerians who depend on these services for their livelihoods, businesses and everyday communication.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a business environment that encourages responsible investment and innovation while keeping consumer interests central to telecommunications development.
He called on operators to translate their investments into improved network coverage, fewer service disruptions and more responsive customer service across Nigeria.