T2 replaces 9mobile in market comeback

Nigerian telecom operator 9mobile has officially rebranded to T2, signaling the “Transformation” stage of its four-phase recovery strategy: Stabilisation, Modernisation, Transformation, and Growth. The rebrand follows the 2023 acquisition of 9mobile by Lighthouse Telecoms, led by investor Thomas Etuh.

Since the takeover, the company has restructured its leadership, reconstituted its board, and in July signed a landmark three-year national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria—the first of its scale in the market. This partnership enables T2 subscribers to roam seamlessly on MTN’s nationwide network, significantly improving coverage and service quality in areas where the company’s own network is limited.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new brand identity in Lagos on Friday, CEO Obafemi Banigbe described the rebrand as a “total evolution” of the company’s purpose and value delivery. “T2 is a symbol of our renewed commitment to innovation, resilience, and a deepened focus on customer experience,” he said.

Chairman Thomas Etuh called the transition a “rebirth” after years of legal and operational challenges. He credited “faith and love for country” as the driving force behind the acquisition, while expressing gratitude to customers and the Nigerian Communications Commission for their patience. “We are rising together again. Together, with you, we are reclaiming all lost grounds,” he stated.

Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, urged T2 to ensure the rebrand translates into tangible service improvements. “Let this be more than a change of colours or new logo,” he said.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by SSG Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said T2’s focus on digital innovation aligns with the state’s vision for a robust and inclusive digital economy.

The rebrand rollout will be phased to avoid service disruptions, with the new identity built on four pillars: Speed, Smart Living, Digital Lifestyle, and Trust. T2 aims to position itself as a bridge between connectivity and culture, and between infrastructure and impact, as Nigeria’s telecom sector enters a new decade of transformation.