Tinubu Welcomes Airtel’s Open Network Launch, Commends Investment in Telecoms Infrastructure
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has welcomed the launch of Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, describing it as an important development towards promoting transparency, strengthening consumer protection and improving telecommunications services across the country.
The initiative, unveiled in Lagos on Friday, October 30, 2026, in the presence of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, is designed to give subscribers access to information about network developments in their locations and provide an avenue for reporting service challenges directly to the telecommunications operator.
President Tinubu said the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to encouraging private-sector investment, expanding digital infrastructure and ensuring Nigerians have access to more reliable and affordable telecommunications services.
He also acknowledged the importance of transparency in the telecommunications industry, particularly through the NCC’s public network coverage maps, performance information and consumer satisfaction surveys, which enable subscribers to assess service quality and hold operators accountable.
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 programme provides eligible students with up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and learning resources.
Commending Airtel’s continued investment in telecommunications infrastructure, Tinubu noted that the company’s network infrastructure had expanded from approximately 15,000 sites two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide.
The expansion includes over 1,050 additional network sites during the company’s 2025/2026 financial year, among which are 657 fifth-generation (5G) sites.
According to the President, sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure remains essential to expanding broadband access, improving network capacity and creating opportunities for businesses, education and economic development.
He also commended the Nigerian Communications Commission for strengthening regulatory oversight, promoting transparency and protecting telecommunications consumers.
Tinubu urged telecommunications operators to sustain investments in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, while ensuring that subscribers’ complaints are addressed promptly.
He stressed that the success of telecommunications investments should ultimately be measured by the quality of services delivered to Nigerians, calling for improved network coverage, fewer service disruptions and more responsive customer support.
The President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for responsible private-sector investment and innovation while ensuring that consumer interests remain central to the development of Nigeria’s digital economy.
