President Bola Tinubu has expressed strong support for Airtel Nigeria's recently launched Open Network initiative, highlighting its potential to foster transparency and enhance consumer protection within the telecommunications sector. The initiative was officially introduced during an event in Lagos, attended by key figures including Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized that the initiative aligns with his administration's dedication to promoting private-sector investment and expanding digital infrastructure across Nigeria. He noted that it empowers subscribers by providing them access to crucial information regarding network developments in their areas, as well as a direct channel to report service issues to the operator.

The President commended the ongoing efforts to enhance transparency in the telecommunications industry, which includes the NCC's initiatives such as public network coverage maps and consumer satisfaction surveys. These tools are designed to help Nigerians understand the services available to them and to hold telecommunications operators accountable for their performance.

Tinubu also brought attention to the Federal Government's Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Initiative, which offers eligible students up to 100MB of free daily data to access approved educational resources. This initiative is a collaborative effort between the NCC and the Federal Ministry of Education, aimed at improving educational access through digital means.

Reflecting on a previous meeting with Mr. Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Airtel, in February 2025, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to creating a conducive environment for telecommunications investments. He acknowledged the significant growth of Airtel Nigeria's infrastructure, which has expanded from around 15,000 sites two years ago to over 17,000 sites nationwide. This includes the addition of more than 1,050 network sites during Airtel's 2025/26 financial year, with a notable increase of 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," Tinubu remarked. He also praised the NCC's efforts under Dr. Maida for enhancing regulatory oversight and consumer protection in the sector.

The President urged telecommunications operators to continue investing in network expansion, particularly in underserved communities, and to ensure that customer complaints are addressed promptly. He stressed that the effectiveness of telecommunications investments should ultimately be gauged by the experiences of Nigerians who rely on these services for their daily communication and business needs. Tinubu called for improved coverage, reduced service disruptions, and more responsive customer service from operators, emphasizing the importance of these services in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.