President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the launch of Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, describing it as an important step towards improving transparency, protecting consumers and strengthening telecommunications services across the country.
The initiative was officially unveiled in Lagos on Friday, October 30, 2026, at an event attended by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Aminu Maida.
The platform allows Airtel subscribers to access information about network developments in their locations and report service challenges directly to the telecommunications company.
In a statement, 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 reliable and affordable telecommunications services.
The President also welcomed efforts by the NCC to improve transparency in the telecommunications sector through public network coverage maps, service performance reports and consumer satisfaction surveys.
According to him, these measures will enable subscribers to make informed decisions about available services and hold telecommunications operators accountable for the quality of services they provide.
Tinubu further highlighted the Federal Government’s Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Initiative, introduced through the NCC in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education and telecommunications operators.
The programme is designed to provide eligible students with up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and learning materials.
He said the initiative demonstrates his administration’s commitment to expanding digital access and creating more educational opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.
The President also recalled his meeting with Bharti Airtel Founder and Chairman, Sunil Mittal, at the State House in Abuja in February 2025, where he reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a favourable investment environment for telecommunications companies.
Tinubu said his administration would continue to strengthen the regulatory framework, encourage investment and protect critical digital infrastructure.
He commended Airtel Nigeria for its continued investment in network expansion, noting that the company’s infrastructure had increased from approximately 15,000 network sites two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide.
The expansion includes over 1,050 additional network sites established during the company’s 2025/2026 financial year, including 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 activities across the country.
He also praised the NCC, under the leadership of Aminu Maida, for its efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote transparency and protect telecommunications consumers.
Tinubu urged telecommunications operators to increase investments in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, while ensuring that customers’ complaints are addressed promptly.
He stressed that the success of investments and innovations in the telecommunications industry should be measured by the quality of services Nigerians receive in their daily lives.
The President called on operators to translate their investments into wider network coverage, fewer service disruptions and improved customer support.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling business environment that encourages responsible investment and innovation while ensuring that consumer protection remains a priority.
The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on October 30, 2026.
READ ALSO:
- Kwankwaso Commends Tinubu Over New Military Battalion, Artillery Regiment In Kano
- Between Tinubu and his predecessors, who is truly responsible for poverty in Nigeria? | By Seunmanuel Faleye
- Nigeria, Russia Begin Talks To Replace 59-Year-Old Aviation Agreement
- FG Says Nigeria Needs 315,000 Community Health Workers By 2030
- FG Launches 2,000 Housing Units In Lagos, Says Teachers, Nurses And Police Officers Can Own Homes With N100,000
