Tinubu welcomes Airtel open network launch as step toward telecom transparency

President Bola Tinubu on Friday welcomed the Airtel open network initiative, calling it a positive move for transparency, consumer protection and better telecommunications services nationwide. The launch took place in Lagos and was attended by Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, who oversaw the event. In a statement signed by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu highlighted how the platform lets subscribers view network development data and report service problems directly to the operator. He said the move aligns with his government’s drive to attract private‑sector investment and expand digital infrastructure. The president’s remarks were issued as part of a broader effort to improve access to reliable mobile and internet services for Nigerians.

The Airtel open network platform offers users real‑time information on network coverage and performance in their locality, a feature that was previously unavailable to the public. Subscribers can now log issues such as dropped calls or slow data speeds directly through the portal, which promises faster response times from the company. Onanuga noted that the initiative complements the NCC’s public network coverage maps, performance data releases and consumer satisfaction surveys. Those tools, according to the president, help Nigerians understand what services are available and hold operators accountable. By making network data open, the government hopes to reduce complaints and encourage operators to maintain higher standards.

Tinubu recalled a meeting in February 2025 at the State House with Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Airtel, where the two leaders reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to a favourable investment climate. He pointed out that Airtel Nigeria’s infrastructure has risen from roughly 15,000 sites two years ago to more than 17,000 sites today. The expansion includes over 1,050 new network sites added during the 2025/26 financial year, of which 657 are fifth‑generation (5G) installations. “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. The president stressed that such growth must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary users.

Beyond the open network, Tinubu highlighted the Federal Government’s Zero‑Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Initiative, implemented with the NCC and the Ministry of Education. The scheme provides eligible students with up to 100 MB of free daily data to reach approved educational websites and learning resources. This effort, he argued, demonstrates how telecom policy can directly support youth and learning outcomes. By linking education to affordable data, the government aims to narrow the digital divide that still exists in many rural and underserved areas. The president said the collaboration with operators like Airtel is vital for the program’s success.

The president also praised Dr Maida and the NCC for their ongoing work to strengthen regulatory oversight and promote consumer protection. He urged the commission to continue publishing transparent data on network performance and coverage, tools that empower consumers to make informed choices. Tinubu called on all operators to sustain investment, especially in regions that have historically lagged behind in connectivity. He warned that merely increasing the number of sites will not be enough unless service quality improves and complaints are addressed promptly. The message was clear: the real measure of progress is how Nigerians experience their daily communications.

In his statement, Tinubu commended Airtel for the rapid rollout of 5G sites, noting that the addition of 657 new 5G locations marks a significant step toward nationwide high‑speed connectivity. He said the expansion supports not only urban users but also small businesses that rely on reliable internet for operations. The president highlighted that better network capacity can boost e‑commerce, digital finance and other sectors that are critical to Nigeria’s economic diversification. By linking infrastructure growth to broader economic goals, the administration hopes to attract further private investment.

The open network initiative also includes a mechanism for customers to rate service quality, providing the operator with direct feedback on performance. According to the president, this data will feed into the NCC’s consumer satisfaction surveys, creating a loop of accountability. He urged operators to act on the feedback quickly, reducing service disruptions that affect both personal and professional activities. The emphasis on timely response reflects the government’s broader consumer‑protection agenda.

Tinubu’s remarks came at a time when the telecom sector is under pressure to deliver on promises of universal service and affordable data. While mobile penetration is high, many Nigerians still experience poor signal strength and high costs, especially in rural communities. The president’s call for operators to focus on underserved areas aligns with his administration’s pledge to bridge the digital divide. He stressed that future investment decisions should prioritize these gaps to ensure inclusive growth.

Looking ahead, the president said the government will monitor the impact of the open network platform and work with the NCC to refine regulatory frameworks as needed. He promised that the administration will continue to encourage private‑sector participation while safeguarding consumer interests. The next steps include expanding the zero‑rated education data scheme and reviewing network coverage maps for accuracy. Tinuru concluded by urging all stakeholders to turn investment into better coverage, fewer disruptions and more responsive customer service for Nigerians across the country.