MTN Nigeria has acquired additional 10MHz spectrum in the 800MHz band from Lagos-based telecommunications firm Intercellular Nigeria Limited.

According to a brief statement released by MTN, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the transaction and assigned the frequency to MTN Nigeria.

“The acquisition will significantly improve customer experience, in line with our commitment to deliver excellent service quality to our subscribers,” the operator added.

Commenting on the acquisition, Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria said, “Through this acquisition, we will be better positioned to support the deepening of broadband penetration in the country. The added resources will also greatly impact our customers’ experience providing even better internet connectivity. It is our goal to keep finding ways to grant everyone access to a modern connected life.”

In a recent presentation of MTN Group’s full-year financial results, Group CEO Ralph Mupita said MTN Nigeria “….continued to deliver solid overall performances with double-digit service revenue growth…”

MTN said it had signed up over 280 000 additional agents and over 395 000 registered agents for its Fintech business in this market.

In March this year MTN Nigeria released details of its financial year ended 31 December 2020.

In addition to SIM NIN registration process, the company outlined its ambition regarding its network coverage and infrastructure.

Ferdi Moolman, now Group Risk Officer, MTN, said at the time that MTN Nigeria would fast-track the roll out of 4G sites and continue to expand rural coverage.

While acknowledging the impact that COVID-19 has had on the company and its operations in Nigeria, Moolman said the business remains focused on the safety and wellbeing of staff, customers and broader stakeholders.

“As we navigated the fallout of the pandemic, adapting our processes and structures to the new realities, we acted swiftly to support the national response in a holistic way… the pandemic caused unprecedented disruption to businesses and impacted lives and livelihoods. Although the operating environment remains challenging, the easing of lockdown restrictions led to an improvement in economic activity and market conditions into H2.”