Tinubu urges Airtel Nigeria to improve telecoms coverage and services
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on P.M. News
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu backs Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, which informs subscribers about network developments in their area and lets them report disruptions. At its launch in Lagos on 30 October 2026, he urged operators to turn investment into better coverage and more reliable services, according to his statement.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu welcomed the launch of Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, while urging telecoms operators to improve coverage, reduce service disruptions and respond to customers more quickly. The launch took place in Lagos on Friday, 30 October 2026, according to P.M. News.
The system is intended to allow subscribers to check information about network developments in their area and directly report outages or connection problems. Tinubu described this transparency as a way for consumers to assess operators’ performance and hold them accountable. He also called on companies to prioritise underserved communities.
Airtel Nigeria has increased the number of its network sites to more than 17,000, from about 15,000 two years earlier. The company added more than 1,050 sites during its 2025-2026 financial year, including 657 5G sites, according to data released by the presidency. Aminu Maida, executive vice-chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, attended the launch.
Tinubu also praised the Nigerian Communications Commission’s efforts to make coverage maps, performance data and consumer satisfaction surveys publicly available. The president linked investment in telecommunications to expanding broadband access and supporting businesses, education and economic activity.
