MTN Nigeria said it invested N1tn in 2025 to expand fibre infrastructure, roll out additional base stations and strengthen network capacity nationwide, as the country’s biggest telco returned to profitability after a choking financial year marked by foreign exchange pressures and negative equity.
The capital expenditure, more than double the prior year’s spending, formed part of a broader recovery that saw the company post a profit after tax of N1.1tn for the year ended December 31, 2025. The rebound followed a difficult 2024 in which MTN suspended dividend payments and grappled with balance sheet strain.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Karl Toriola described 2025 as a defining year for the company, linking the improved earnings position to renewed long-term infrastructure investment.
“During the year, we invested N1tn in network expansion and modernisation, more than double the prior year’s capital expenditure. This investment translates to additional base stations, deeper fibre rollout, expanded capacity and improved network resilience across the country because sustaining critical digital infrastructure requires disciplined capital allocation and a deliberate long-term approach,” the executive said.
The telcos’ total subscriber base increased to 87.3 million, up 7.9 per cent, while active data subscribers rose to 53.2 million. Data traffic grew by 34 per cent during the year. These figures reflect sustained demand for digital services across the country and underscore the need for continued investment in network capacity and resilience.
“We are mindful that in a period of economic pressure, expectations from customers are heightened. When Nigerians purchase data or rely on our network for work, education, financial services or daily communication, they expect reliability, fairness and continuous improvement. That expectation is both legitimate and central to our responsibility, Toriola noted.
