Nigeria’s telecom industry has a bold new player. Or rather, a familiar name with a fresh identity. 9mobile has officially rebranded to T2, marking a significant shift in its brand strategy, visual identity, and long-term vision.
The transformation was unveiled at the “Tech Meets Tenacity” event held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos. It drew industry leaders, government officials, partners, and entertainers. Hosted by music icon Darey Art Alade, the event featured vibrant performances and high-profile appearances, including Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani.
9mobile’s Transition to T2 Signals More Than a Name Change
Speaking at the launch, Obafemi Banigbe, Chief Executive Officer of T2, described the change as a fundamental overhaul rather than a cosmetic refresh.
“This is not just a brand unveiling. It is the beginning of a whole new chapter in our history,” Banigbe said. “We are no longer who we were. We are becoming something greater, more ambitious, and more in tune with the future.”
The CEO outlined the company’s ambition to become a customer-obsessed, technology-powered, and digitally agile telecom operator. He positioned T2 as a brand that would serve as a platform for possibilities. It aims to empower startups, remote workers, creatives, and everyday Nigerians.
Banigbe also emphasised that the new identity mirrors the energy and resilience of Nigeria’s youthful population. He noted that the rebrand embraces a digital-first approach to deliver faster, smarter, and more relevant services.
With the rebrand, T2 is committing to a fully digital, data-driven business model. Banigbe revealed that the company will become cloud-native and API-ready. This will enable faster product rollouts and hyper-personalised services powered by artificial intelligence and advanced analytics.
“In today’s world, the winners are not the biggest but the boldest,” he said. “We are designing our systems to empower our customers with real-time support, self-service tools, and simplified processes from the palm of their hands.”
The new corporate colour, a vibrant orange, is intended to signal warmth, energy, and forward momentum.
T2 Rebrand Positioned to Pull 9mobile Out of Decline
Banigbe acknowledged the company’s struggles in recent years. Subscriber numbers fell from a peak of 22 million between 2014 and 2016 to just 3.2 million as of January 2025. Contributing factors included the exit of its initial investors, reduced infrastructure investments, and intensified competition.
Despite these setbacks, he framed T2’s evolution as a story of resilience. He likened the company’s journey to that of Nigeria itself, enduring challenges but bouncing back stronger.
Partnerships are a key pillar of T2’s recovery strategy. Banigbe highlighted recent moves such as a national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria. This expands network coverage and improves service quality.
He also reaffirmed T2’s mission to drive Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting innovation ecosystems, tech entrepreneurs, and creative communities.
“To every Nigerian dreaming of something better, this rebrand is for you,” Banigbe said. “It is a reminder that you too can reimagine, rebuild, and relaunch.”
With a renewed brand, fresh strategy, and an emphasis on speed, relevance, and innovation, T2 is positioning itself not just to compete but to lead in Nigeria’s fast-evolving telecommunications market.
