President Bola Tinubu has welcomed Airtel Nigeria’s new Open Network initiative, which gives subscribers access to information about network developments in their areas, but the real test will be whether greater transparency translates into stronger signals, fewer disruptions and faster responses to complaints.
The initiative, launched in Lagos on Friday, October 30, is designed to give customers more visibility into network conditions and a direct channel for reporting service difficulties. Its introduction comes amid persistent consumer concerns over poor connectivity, dropped calls, slow internet speeds and inconsistent data services.
Tinubu described the project as a positive step towards transparency, consumer protection and improved telecommunications services. His position was conveyed in a statement issued by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The President also pointed to Airtel’s expanding infrastructure as evidence of continued private-sector investment. The company has increased its network sites from about 15,000 two years ago to more than 17,000 nationwide.
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More than 1,050 sites were added during its 2025/26 financial year, including 657 5G sites. The expansion represents a significant infrastructure commitment, although the number of installations alone does not establish how much service has improved for subscribers in different communities.
That distinction is central to the new initiative. Network transparency can help customers identify developments in their areas and report service problems, but it cannot independently resolve weak coverage or congestion. Its value will depend on whether Airtel responds to complaints, publishes useful information and converts reported problems into measurable improvements.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, attended the launch. Tinubu commended the regulator for promoting public access to network coverage maps, performance information and consumer satisfaction surveys.
The President also referenced the Federal Government’s Zero-Rated Access to Educational Platforms and Content Initiative, which offers eligible students up to 100MB of free daily data for approved educational websites and learning resources.
The programme highlights another dimension of telecommunications policy: connectivity is not only a commercial service but also an important channel for education, employment, business and access to information. However, the daily data allocation is limited, making reliable network access essential if students are to benefit consistently.
Tinubu recalled meeting Bharti Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal in February 2025, when he pledged to support telecommunications investment, strengthen regulation and protect critical digital infrastructure.
He called on operators to extend investment to underserved communities and improve customer service.
Ultimately, Airtel’s network expansion will mean little to customers if it does not produce dependable connections. Subscribers will judge the Open Network initiative by practical outcomes: whether they can see what is happening in their areas, report faults without difficulty and receive effective solutions.
The launch therefore places a clear test before both the operator and the regulator: transparency must become a tool for accountability, not merely another corporate announcement.
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