MTN invests N1.6tr on network capacity expansion

MTN Nigeria has invested more than N1.6 trillion in network infrastructure since January 2025, reinforcing its commitment to expanding connectivity as demand for digital services continues to accelerate across the country.

The investment, disclosed alongside the company’s half-year 2026 financial results, highlights the scale of capital required to support Nigeria’s growing digital economy, where millions increasingly rely on mobile networks for commerce, education, financial services, healthcare and entertainment.

Explaining the rationale behind the company’s capital investment during an interview, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Financial Officer, Modupe Kadri, said the pace of digital adoption has made continuous network expansion essential.

“Demand for connectivity continues to grow as more Nigerians embrace digital lifestyles. Our investment strategy is focused on expanding network capacity and building the resilience required to support that growth over the long term,” he said.

The investment reflects broader trends across Nigeria’s telecom industry. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), broadband adoption continues to rise, while the GSMA projects sustained growth in smartphone usage across the country. Kadri revealed that smartphone penetration on MTN’s network has increased to approximately 66 per cent, compared with less than 55 per cent a year ago, while the operator now serves more than 92 million subscribers and 55.6 million active data users. The figures underscore how rapidly digital consumption is reshaping customer behaviour and increasing pressure on network infrastructure.

While investment remains central to improving service quality, Kadri noted that operators continue to face structural challenges that cannot be solved by capital expenditure alone. He cited fibre cuts, vandalism, theft of telecommunications infrastructure and restricted access to network sites as recurring issues affecting service delivery. “Building a resilient network requires more than financial investment. It also depends on protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening collaboration among operators, regulators and other stakeholders to minimise service disruptions,” he said.

As Nigeria advances its digital transformation agenda, investment in telecommunications infrastructure is expected to remain a key driver of inclusive economic growth. Beyond improving customer experience, stronger network capacity supports innovation, financial inclusion, enterprise productivity and digital public services.

MTN’s continued capital deployment reflects not only confidence in the Nigerian market but also the critical role resilient telecommunications infrastructure will play in powering the country’s next phase of digital development.