MTN Nigeria Achieves N1.1 Trillion Profit in Fiscal Year 2025, Signals Digital Economy Resurgence
MTN Nigeria has announced a remarkable financial performance for the 2025 fiscal year, reporting a staggering profit of N1.1 trillion. This significant turnaround contrasts sharply with the challenges faced in the preceding fiscal year, 2024, and underscores a robust revival within Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadri, provided an in-depth analysis of the company’s “impressive” results during a television appearance. Kadri highlighted a substantial 22.9 per cent surge in service revenue, which reached N392.2 billion, largely driven by a heightened level of activity in the third quarter.
This positive financial trajectory is attributed to a strategic and aggressive approach to capital expenditure. Kadri revealed that the company’s investment in the sector has escalated to unprecedented levels. “We spent about N1tn in 2025, significantly higher than our 2024 investment levels,” Kadri stated. “We will continue now that we have a business case to make this investment.”
Despite this substantial profit and the successful deployment of over 2,850 new network sites, the CFO offered a pragmatic outlook on the timeline for consumers to experience the full benefits of these extensive investments.
Kadri addressed the frequent query regarding the immediate correlation between increased revenue and enhanced service quality. “The telecommunications industry is capital-intensive,” he explained. “Even when the capital is available, improvements in network infrastructure take time to materialise. We are not out of the woods yet, but the impact of such investments will be fully realised in time.”
Strategic Focus on Expanding Connectivity
Looking ahead, MTN is strategically pivoting its focus towards the “unconnected” segments of the Nigerian populace. With the industry’s overall investment surpassing the $1 billion mark, the company is actively pursuing a broadband penetration rate of 70 per cent. This ambitious goal is set to be achieved through a diversified strategy that incorporates both traditional infrastructure deployment and the adoption of frontier technologies.
“There is a growing need to expand connectivity as Nigeria’s population increases,” Kadri elaborated. “Areas previously classified as rural require improved population coverage. Our goal is to exceed 2025 investment levels with the Bridge Project and a ‘satellite revolution’ aimed at closing the rural connectivity gap.”
The Bridge Project signifies a concerted effort to enhance network coverage and capacity in underserved regions. Complementing this initiative, the proposed “satellite revolution” aims to leverage advanced satellite technology to bridge the digital divide in remote and geographically challenging areas where traditional terrestrial infrastructure deployment may be less feasible or cost-effective.
Funding Growth Through Operating Cash Flow
Kadri concluded by emphasizing that while private investment remains a cornerstone of MTN Nigeria’s growth strategy, a significant portion of this extensive expansion is currently being financed through the company’s own robust operating cash flow. This demonstrates a strong internal financial foundation and a commitment to sustainable growth.
The substantial profit and aggressive investment by MTN Nigeria signal a positive outlook for the nation’s digital transformation. As the company continues to invest in infrastructure and innovative solutions, the prospect of increased connectivity and improved digital services for all Nigerians appears increasingly within reach. The focus on underserved populations, coupled with a forward-looking technological approach, positions MTN Nigeria as a key player in shaping the future of the country’s digital landscape. The N1.1 trillion profit serves not only as a testament to the company’s resilience but also as a powerful indicator of the immense potential residing within Nigeria’s digital economy.
