Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has reaffirmed its position as the largest mobile network operator in Africa and a dominant force in Nigeria, boasting 84.6 million active subscribers as of March 2025 and commanding a 51.39% market share, the highest in the country. This milestone was revealed during the launch of MTN’s 6th ESG “Facts Behind the Sustainability” Report, hosted at the NGX Event Centre, Lagos.
The report highlights MTN Nigeria’s continued leadership in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices and digital infrastructure. With the largest fibre network in Nigeria, which supports other telecom operators, MTN also maintains its reputation as Africa’s leading provider of digital solutions.
The event featured key industry figures including:
- Mr. Jude Chiemeka, CEO, Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX)
- Mr. Olufemi Shobanjo, CEO, NGX Regulation
- Mr. God’s Time Iwenekhai, Market Head, NGX Issuer Regulation
- Mr. Sam Chidoka, MD/CEO, Anchoria Advisory Services
- Mr. Abubakar B. Mahmoud, Chairman, MTN Social Ethics and Sustainability Committee
- Mr. Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN
- Mr. Esosa Balogun, GM, Risk Management, MTN
Speakers praised MTN for its sustained commitment to sustainable business practices, climate action, gender equity, and consumer data protection. According to Shobanjo, integrating ESG principles is no longer optional for corporations but essential for sustainable value creation and national competitiveness.
“Sustainable investment now accounts for more than three percent of global assets under management. The momentum is only expected to accelerate,” he noted.
Tobechukwu Okigbo emphasized MTN’s deep-rooted Nigerian identity and outlined initiatives aimed at increasing Nigerian ownership in the company. Though a planned 11% stock market share localization could not take place, Okigbo remains hopeful it will happen in the near future.
He also highlighted a “50/50 pledge” to promote gender equality in recruitment and training, along with initiatives to help women return to the workforce after career breaks.
In a materiality test conducted by MTN, the top concern among Nigerians was data privacy and consumer rights. “Nigerians want to be sure their data is secure and used responsibly. Treating customers fairly is the foundation for building trust,” Okigbo added.
Driving Nigeria’s Digital Transformation
The newly released ESG report details MTN’s initiatives aimed at:
- Reducing climate impact
- Enhancing digital inclusion
- Upholding responsible governance
- Creating economic opportunities for underrepresented groups
The company also reaffirmed its commitment to investing in critical digital infrastructure that supports innovation, connectivity, and national growth.
MTN’s continued dominance in Nigeria’s telecom sector reflects not just its commercial success, but its role in shaping the digital economy of Africa through sustainable innovation and inclusive growth.
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