Nigeria’s telecommunications sector witnessed a significant milestone as 9mobile unveiled its new identity, T2, marking a strategic shift toward becoming a digitally focused operator prioritizing innovation and superior customer experiences.
At the launch event in Lagos on Friday, Chief Executive Officer Obafemi Banigbe described the rebranding as a transformative step beyond a mere name change.
“We are no longer who we were; we are becoming something greater, more ambitious, and more in tune with the future,” Banigbe declared, outlining the company’s vision to lead in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
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The ceremony attracted notable attendees, including Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, alongside other influential figures in the telecom industry.
T2 plans to overhaul its operations by leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and advanced data analytics. These advancements aim to streamline service delivery and offer tailored solutions, particularly for Nigeria’s growing base of startups, creatives, and remote professionals driving demand for versatile digital tools.
Reflecting on the company’s history, Banigbe acknowledged past difficulties but positioned them as stepping stones for growth. “Our challenges are reminders, not defeats,” he affirmed, emphasizing that enhancing customer satisfaction remains at the heart of T2’s strategy.
Banigbe expressed gratitude to regulators, investors, partners, and staff, dedicating the rebrand to “every Nigerian dreaming of something better” and urging the nation to “reimagine, rebuild and relaunch.”
The rebranding follows a pivotal three-year national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria, finalized in July and approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
This partnership allows T2 subscribers to tap into MTN’s extensive network, significantly improving service reliability and expanding coverage, particularly in underserved regions. The collaboration reflects a growing trend in Nigeria’s telecom sector toward partnerships that maximize resources in a competitive market.
T2’s origins date back to 2008 when it launched as Etisalat Nigeria, a venture involving the UAE’s Etisalat Group, Mubadala Development Company, and local investors. The operator gained traction among younger users, rolling out 3G and 4G LTE services and growing to over 15 million subscribers by 2012.
However, regulatory challenges, fierce competition, and a $1.2 billion debt crisis led to Etisalat Group’s exit in 2017. The company restructured, rebranded as 9mobile, and saw a change in ownership when Teleology Holdings Limited assumed control in late 2018. With its new identity as T2, the operator aims to reclaim its position as a leader in Nigeria’s dynamic telecom market.
