Tinubu Welcomes Airtel’s Open Network Initiative, Urges Improved Telecoms Services
President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, calling on telecommunications operators to improve network coverage, minimise service disruptions and respond promptly to customer complaints.
The President described the initiative as a step towards greater transparency, consumer protection and improved service delivery in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The initiative, unveiled in Lagos on Friday, allows subscribers to access information about network developments in their locations and report service challenges directly to Airtel.
Tinubu’s position was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja.
He said the initiative aligned with his administration’s commitment to encouraging private-sector investment, expanding digital infrastructure and ensuring Nigerians have access to reliable telecommunications services.
The President also welcomed transparency measures introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), including public network coverage maps, performance reports and consumer satisfaction surveys.
According to him, such measures would enable subscribers to make informed decisions about available services and hold operators accountable for service delivery.
Tinubu 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.
He said the initiative demonstrated his administration’s commitment to expanding digital opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.
The President recalled his meeting with the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, Sunil Bharti Mittal, at the State House, Abuja, in February 2025, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a favourable investment climate, strengthening regulations and protecting critical digital infrastructure.
Tinubu commended Airtel Nigeria for its continued investment in network expansion, noting that the company’s infrastructure had increased from approximately 15,000 sites two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide.
The expansion included over 1,050 additional network sites during the company’s 2025/2026 financial year, including 657 5G sites.
He stressed that sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure was essential to expanding broadband access, improving network capacity and supporting businesses, education and economic growth.
The President also praised the NCC, under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman, Dr Aminu Maida, for strengthening regulatory oversight, promoting transparency and protecting consumers.
He urged telecommunications operators to sustain investments in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, while ensuring that customer complaints receive timely attention.
Tinubu emphasised that the success of investments and innovations in the telecommunications industry should ultimately be measured by the quality of services Nigerians receive in their daily lives.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining an investment-friendly environment that encourages innovation while placing consumer interests at the centre of telecommunications development.
