Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape is entering a new chapter as 9mobile officially rebrands to T2, with a bold vision to become a fully digital-first operator focused on innovation, speed, and customer-centric services.
The rebranding was formally announced at a launch event held in Lagos on Friday, attended by top industry players and the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani.
A New Identity, A Bigger VisionSpeaking at the event, T2 CEO Obafemi Banigbe emphasized that the change is more than a new name — it represents a transformation in direction and ambition.
“We are no longer who we were; we are becoming something greater, more ambitious, and more in tune with the future,” Banigbe said.
T2 aims to fully embrace the digital space by leveraging cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced data analytics.
These technologies will power faster service delivery, smarter operations, and highly personalized customer experiences.The new strategy targets Nigeria’s growing population of startups, creatives, and remote workers — a digitally savvy community looking for modern, flexible, and dependable connectivity solutions.
Rising from Challenges Banigbe also addressed the company’s past struggles, saying they had helped build a stronger foundation for what lies ahead.“Our challenges are reminders, not defeats,” he said, dedicating the rebrand to “every Nigerian dreaming of something better” and calling on the nation to “reimagine, rebuild, and relaunch.”
Expanding Reach Through Strategic PartnershipT2’s transformation is further supported by a national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in July.
The three-year deal enables T2 users to access MTN’s extensive network, significantly improving coverage — especially in underserved and rural areas.
This collaboration reflects a growing trend in Nigeria’s telecom sector, where operators are partnering to share infrastructure and improve service delivery.
From Etisalat to T2: A Timeline of ChangeT2’s journey began in 2008 as Etisalat Nigeria, a joint venture between UAE’s Etisalat Group, Mubadala Development Company, and local investors. It quickly gained traction with innovative offerings, including early rollouts of 3G and 4G LTE, and amassed over 15 million subscribers by 2012.However, financial setbacks and market pressure took a toll. By 2017, the company faced debts exceeding $1.2 billion, prompting Etisalat Group’s exit. In 2018, it rebranded as 9mobile under new ownership led by Teleology Holdings Limited.Now, with the launch of T2, the company is looking to reset the narrative — presenting itself as a dynamic, tech-forward telecom brand built for the future.
