MTN Nigeria has secured approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to lease spectrum from T2 Mobile Limited, formerly known as 9Mobile, under a three-year agreement aimed at boosting capacity, improving coverage, and driving digital inclusion.

The company said on Wednesday that effective 1 October 2025, it will lease 5MHz of frequency division duplex (FDD) in the 900MHz band and 15MHz FDD in the 1800MHz band from 9Mobile. According to MTN, the lease will support its national roaming arrangement with T2, allowing it to manage increased network traffic from T2’s customer base using its infrastructure.

MTN Nigeria described the deal as part of a broader integrated approach that combines spectrum trading, national roaming and infrastructure sharing. It said this approach demonstrates its commitment to industry collaboration and aligns with its ambition to expand broadband access and advance digital inclusion across Nigeria.

“We are delighted with this milestone, which aligns with our Ambition 2025 strategy,” MTN Nigeria CEO Karl Toriola said. “By leveraging additional spectrum resources, we are enhancing network capacity in a cost-efficient and environmentally sustainable way.”

He added that the agreement would also help foster a more collaborative telecoms ecosystem. “We are onboarding Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to promote industry innovation and long-term sustainability. These initiatives underscore our dedication to expanding broadband access and advancing Nigeria’s digital transformation and inclusive growth,” Toriola said.

The company also announced that it will not renew its existing one-year spectrum lease with Natcom Development and Investment Ltd (Ntel), which is due to expire on 29 November 2025. That deal covered 5MHz FDD in the 900MHz band and 10MHz FDD in the 1800MHz band across 17 states.