By Ayomide Otitoju
MTN Nigeria has announced plans to expand investments in artificial intelligence, fintech, network infrastructure and digital entertainment as it marks 25 years of operations in the country.
The company disclosed the plans on Sunday at the Y’ello Street Experience held at MTN Plaza, Ikoyi, Lagos, as part of activities marking its 25th anniversary.
MTN executives at the event reflected on the company’s growth since it commenced operations in Nigeria in 2001, while outlining areas of focus as demand for digital services and connectivity continues to increase.
MTN’s Chief Financial Officer, Modupe Kadri, said the company had continued to invest in technology as Nigerians’ communication habits evolved from traditional voice calls to internet-based platforms.
Kadri said MTN had deployed successive generations of mobile technology, including 2G, 3G and 5G, while adapting its services to changing customer needs.
He said the company would continue to monitor technological developments and invest in areas that could support Nigeria’s digital economy.
Kadri also thanked customers who had remained with the network since its entry into the Nigerian market, saying their continued patronage had contributed to the company’s growth.
On fintech, he said regulatory changes introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria had created a more favourable environment for digital financial services.
He said customers could expect further developments in MTN’s fintech offerings as the company responds to changes in the regulatory and technology environment.
Kadri disclosed that MTN had invested about N1.6 trillion in capital expenditure over the past 18 months to strengthen its network infrastructure following the tariff adjustment approved by regulators.
He also said the company pays more than N120 billion annually in taxes and levies, while 2.5 per cent of its total revenue goes towards annual operating licence obligations.
On smartphones, Kadri said MTN was working with global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to improve access to devices rather than maintaining large stocks of mobile phones.
He said the approach would allow the company to focus its resources on network expansion while working with manufacturers to address device affordability and availability.
The company’s General Manager, Access Planning and Optimisation, Nasiru Hayatu, said network expansion and optimisation remained an ongoing process driven by subscriber growth and demand for coverage.
Hayatu said MTN currently serves about 92 million subscribers, adding that the company uses forecasting and network-planning tools to identify areas requiring additional capacity or coverage.
He said MTN had continued to invest in its network despite rising operating costs.
MTN’s Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, identified smartphone affordability as one of the factors affecting the wider adoption of 5G services.
She said the company was expanding partnerships with device manufacturers to improve access to 5G-enabled smartphones, including in underserved areas.
Ikenna-Emeka said MTN was also using artificial intelligence to support operational efficiency, customer analysis, service personalisation and market segmentation.
She added that the company was supporting the Federal Government’s broadband expansion efforts and working with relevant authorities to improve connectivity.
However, she identified challenges around right-of-way approvals for fibre deployment as one of the issues that could affect the pace of broadband expansion.
She also noted that maintaining telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria requires significant investment, particularly because operators rely extensively on alternative power sources to keep network facilities running.
MTN’s Chief Digital Officer, A’isha Umar Mumuni, said the company would continue to invest in Nigeria’s creative economy through digital entertainment initiatives.
She announced the second season of Next Afrobeats Star, saying the programme had been reviewed based on lessons from its first edition.
Mumuni also highlighted Family Feud Nigeria as part of MTN’s investment in entertainment, alongside its broader support for music, television, gaming and digital content.
Meanwhile, MTN’s Chief Customer Relations and Experience Officer, Ugonwa Nwoye, thanked customers for their support over the company’s 25-year journey.
She said MTN would continue to focus on customer experience while adapting its services to changing expectations.
The anniversary event featured a display of MTN Nigeria’s development since it began operations in 2001, with the company highlighting its investments in telecommunications infrastructure and digital services.
As it enters its next phase, MTN said it would continue to focus on connectivity, digital financial services, artificial intelligence and the creative economy as part of its strategy for the coming years.
