President Bola Tinubu on Friday welcomed the launch of Airtel Nigeria’s Open Network initiative, describing it as a positive step toward greater transparency, consumer protection and improved telecommunications services across the country.

The initiative, unveiled in Lagos on Friday at an event attended by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, allows subscribers to access information about network developments in their areas and report service difficulties directly to the operator.

Tinubu conveyed his reaction in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu welcomes Airtel’s open network launch, commends investment in telecoms infrastructure.’

According to Onanuga, Tinubu said the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to encouraging private-sector investment, expanding digital infrastructure, and ensuring Nigerians benefit from more reliable and accessible telecommunications services.

He welcomed the growing emphasis on transparency in the sector, including the NCC’s public network coverage maps, performance data and consumer satisfaction surveys, which he said help Nigerians better understand available services and hold operators accountable.

The President 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, which provides eligible students with up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational websites and learning resources.

Tinubu recalled his February 2025 meeting at the State House, Abuja, with the Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, Mr Sunil Bharti Mittal, during which he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for telecommunications investment, strengthening the regulatory framework, and protecting critical digital infrastructure.

He noted that Airtel Nigeria’s infrastructure has grown from approximately 15,000 sites two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide, with the expansion including over 1,050 network sites added during the company’s 2025/26 financial year, among them 657 fifth-generation sites.

“Sustained investment in telecommunications infrastructure is essential to expanding broadband access, improving network capacity, and supporting businesses, education, and economic opportunities across Nigeria,” the President said.

He commended the NCC under Dr Maida for its continued efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight, promote transparency and protect consumers.

The President also urged operators to sustain investment in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, and ensure that customer complaints receive timely attention.

Tinubu emphasised that the success of telecommunications investment must ultimately be measured by the experience of Nigerians who depend on these services for their livelihoods, businesses and everyday communication, and called on operators to translate their investments into better coverage, fewer service disruptions and more responsive customer service.