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Tag: MTN

  • MTN, MTV Base join forces to promote Internet safety

    MTN, MTV Base join forces to promote Internet safety

    To help young people cultivate safety habits while using the internet, telecommunications giant, MTN Group and music channel MTV Base have launched an innovative youth-led movement known as “Room of Safety”.

    The initiative which aims to empower youths to report online harm, will promote positive digital behaviours across the continent.

    “Room of Safety” is a powerful 10-part short-form series which premiered on DSTV Channel 322 and across the music channels’ social media handles on Sunday, July 20.

    The series features Paramount’s Culture Squad member, Craig Nobela, alongside a dynamic lineup of young African influencers including Yanda Woods, LordKez, Foyin Ongunrombi, Azana, Major Steez, Melissa Nayimuli, Mawelele and Naledi.

    According to MTN, the collaboration forms part of its Help Children Be Children campaign, leveraging the reach and influence of platforms like MTV to drive meaningful change.

    “Through relatable storytelling and youth-driven content, the series aims to spark dialogue, raise awareness, and equip young people with the knowledge and tools to navigate online risks. 

    With its multi-platform distribution, the campaign is positioned to reach millions of young Africans, catalyse community conversations, and influence safer digital behaviour across the continent,” the telco said.

    The launch is coming on the heels of recent study conducted in Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia which showed one in 10 children aged between 8 and 17 years reported they were harassed online.

    The report revealed that 20 per cent of children in South Sudan reported being bullied online- the highest among the three countries.

    In Nigeria, the report found that 

    79% of adolescents aged 13-17 spend more than an hour online daily, which increases their exposure to risky online behaviour.

    30–40 per cent of teens across the three countries admitted to adding strangers to their messaging apps. In Juba, children who spend more than an hour online daily are 17 times more likely to engage in risky online behaviour.

    These findings underscore the urgent need for digital education and protective mechanisms tailored to African youth.

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    Commenting on the initiative, the General Manager, Regulatory Affairs, MTN Nigeria, Ikenna Iheme, said,

    “As technology evolves, we’re seeing serious risks, AI misuse, online stalking and exploitation- harm we once associated only with the physical world. 

    “At MTN, we believe access must go hand-in-hand with protection. Through our partnership with MTV Base on Room of Safety, we’re amplifying the voices of young people to speak to, and stand up for, each other, creating a safer, more conscious digital future.”

    Also, Senior Vice President, Paramount Africa, Monde Twala, noted how the entertainment channel had been at the forefront of shaping youth culture and sporting issues that matter in the past two decades.

    “From HIV awareness to gender equality and mental health, we’ve consistently championed content that drives change. With Room of Safety, we’re continuing that legacy, empowering young people to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. This partnership with MTN is a powerful step in protecting the next generation and ensuring their voices are heard,” she said

  • Rethinking media content, culture

    Rethinking media content, culture

    As the media landscape continues to rapidly evolve, Assistant News Editor PRECIOUS IGBONWELUNDU reports that MTN, through its sponsored media innovation programme (MIP) at the Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), is challenging practitioners to brace the odds, repurpose content and discard harmful cultures, silos.

    The winds of change sweeping through the media industry are forcing practitioners to confront hard truths: Obsolete systems must give way to innovation; editorial rigidity must be shed in favour of agility and relevance, and media practitioners especially journalists must take personal branding seriously, become active content creators and voices of reason to drive positive change.

    The above have been recurring messages at the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP-4), a flagship initiative run in partnership with the Pan-Atlantic University’s (PAU) School of Media and Communication (SMC).

    From the commencement of the cohort on May 18, speakers and lecturers have re-echoed the need for the 20 participants, selected out of over 3,000 applicants nationwide, to embrace innovation and use it to better their professions, as well as society.

    Delivering a striking inaugural lecture, renowned Journalist, Mr. Azu Ishiekwene, made a compelling case for the media to urgently embrace transformation.

    “Innovation is not just about technology. In media, it includes rethinking editorial processes, breaking down silos between departments and training staff to work across all functions. True innovation begins when we stop doing things that no longer work,” stated Ishiekwene.

    Citing American football player Kevin Anderson, he stressed that success lies in identifying what to stop doing in order to create room for meaningful progress.

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    For the media, this could mean ditching commoditised content, stale newsroom practices and adversarial models that alienate audiences and partners alike, he added.

    Ishiekwene encouraged media leaders to adopt measurable performance standards, invest in continuous training and foster collaboration across editorial, commercial and technological arms of their organisations.

    “The time for lip service is over. Innovation must not be optional; it must be intentional,” he said, urging the MIP fellows to be drivers of this change in their various spheres of influence.

    Aside from Ishiekwene, other accomplished professionals and subject matter experts in digital/new media; content creation and engagement journalism; project management; business principles/management and media law interfaced with the cohorts during scheduled classes where they shared practical experiences with participants and encouraged participants to take the lead.

    Acknowledging the pitfalls that come with the evolving landscape, media law expert, Dr. Tomi Vincent, cautioned practitioners to be well-versed in the legal frameworks guiding their practice. His warning was clear: ignorance of the law is no excuse in today’s high-stakes media environment.

    “Journalists must understand the legal landmines and avoid taking liberties with people’s reputations or interests. What you think is harmless could become a basis for litigation,” he said, referencing recent defamation suits that have shaken the industry.

    He cited the Erisco tomato paste case as a cautionary tale on the power-and peril-of digital expression. “What seems like ordinary commentary on social media can snowball into legal turmoil if not handled with care,” he added.

    Vincent also urged caution when handling confidential sources. “Know how you couch your language so it doesn’t look like you’re giving away sensitive information. Poor handling of sources can lead to both legal consequences and personal security risks,” he warned.

    In navigating the often tense relationship between the media and government, Vincent suggested that wisdom, not antagonism, should guide practitioners.

    “You must understand the psychology of all three stakeholders-the media, the government, and the people. The government sees regulation; the media sees restraint. But both must coexist in a manner that safeguards public interest and democratic freedoms,” he explained.

    He argued that in societies like China and the UAE, restrictions on digital platforms reflect national security priorities-not necessarily an attack on free speech. “Nigeria enjoys broader press freedom, but that freedom must not be abused. The media should aim to collaborate with the government where possible, not just oppose it,” he said.

    Vincent’s perspective underscores a key tenet of the MIP initiative: a call for responsible innovation. While technological disruption offers exciting opportunities-from AI-powered newsrooms to data journalism- it also demands ethical clarity and professional vigilance.

    In his lecture titled “Introduction to Entrepreneurship: Principles and Practices,” Dr Peter Bankole, emphasised the importance of identifying and correctly interpreting opportunities.

    He explained that recognizing potential and aligning it with the right decisions were crucial for success, warning that uninformed decisions about potential markets or projects could lead to setbacks.

    According to him, whether a country is democratic or not shouldn’t be the sole factor for investors, adding that ability to get returns and if needed, exit safely should matter the most.

    Recalling his experience while launching the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), Dr. Bankole noted how initial pricing scared off some small business owners, but those who took the plunge later became successful.

    This, he said, created a ripple effect, where others who missed the opportunity tried to catch up later, emphasizing the importance of vision and treating investments as steps toward future growth.

    He discussed trends and growth patterns; highlighted how businesses must recognise market dynamics, and touched on consumer psychology and purchasing behavior.

    On dealing with challenges, Bankole used the metaphor of navigating a speedboat during rough waves, advising that knowing when to pause, pivot, or reposition was vital to avoid capsizing in business.

    No matter the market condition, Bankole said a clear strategy, adaptability, and audience aspiration understanding were the determinants for long-term success.

    Now in its fourth year, the MTN Media Innovation Programme has established itself as a hub for grooming forward-thinking journalists. The six-month fellowship is fully funded and includes classroom sessions, innovation labs, and an international study tour to South Africa, where participants will engage with top media and tech organisations including MTN Group headquarters and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).

    Among the fellows for the 2025 cohort are notable content creators and journalists whose selection underscored a growing demand for practitioners who blend traditional storytelling with digital proficiency and an appetite for reform.

    MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to press freedom and media advancement.

    “MIP is a testament to our belief in the power of the media to shape society. By investing in the professional growth of journalists, we are investing in the future of storytelling in Nigeria,” he said.

    As MTN and Pan-Atlantic University continue to equip journalists with tools to lead the charge, the future of Nigerian media may yet be redefined-not by crises, but by creativity, competence, and collaboration.

    For the 20 MIP fellows, the challenge has been laid bare: rethink content, reimagine practice, and reject the harmful cultures that no longer serve journalism’s higher purpose.

  • MTN, 9mobile roaming deal implementation begins

    MTN, 9mobile roaming deal implementation begins

    Subscribers of Emerging Market Communications Company, trading as 9mobile in Nigeria, are expected to start enjoying improved service quality across the country as the national roaming agreement approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the telco and MTN Nigeria takes effect next week, it was gathered yesterday.

    The partnership will enable the two telcos to share radio infrastructure to facilitate efficient service delivery to their customers.

    Speaking at a joint press conference in Lagos, they said they went into the partnership to boost their networks and give their customers high quality service and pledged their commitment towards the agreement.

    9mobile services are expected to be accessed again everywhere in the country where MTN network services are available.

    By the arrangements, 9mobile hopes to regain its over 22 million lost subscribers in the country. As of January 2025, the company’s active subscriber base had plunged to 3.2 million, according to data from the NCC, a steep fall from over 22 million at its peak in 2016.

    9mobile Chief Executive Officer, Obafemi Banigbe, said the partnership journey will be backed by MTN, adding that the initial term of the agreement is for three years, which will enable 9mobile subscribers to be able to use MTN’s radio access coverage across the country.

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    Bamigbe said by the agreement, 9mobile would be able to deploy its network in areas where its coverage does not reach leveraging on MTN infrastructure in those areas.

    The 9mobile CEO said MTN would also leverage on 9mobile infrastructure to serve its customers where its infrastructure doesn’t cover.

    “It is a commercial partnership. It is a win-win for both parties. It is not a freeloader, both of us are paying for services we render for each other,” he said.

    He also said the operators were in it for a long run and it’s expected to improve telecommunications in the country.

    “Remember, sometimes at the beginning of last year, we had a press briefing where we explained exactly what we’re doing in order for us to get 9mobile back into a competitive space in the market. And then we discussed the opportunities that we have. And then we mentioned to you guys that our mantra is to build our network where we must and then share infrastructure where we can,” he said.

    According to Banigbe, part of the restructuring is what “we are doing today, the roaming arrangements have started.”

    Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, said while the roaming service has started in Lagos and test runs in other states, total coverage is expected to be achieved by the end of July. He added that the partnership is the first of its kind in the country and the entire West, East and Central Africa (WECA) region.

    Represented by the telco’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Linda Saint Nwafor, the CEO clarified that the partnership was not a porting arrangement as both parties would still retain their customers on their networks.

    He said it also marks a major shift in the competitive dynamics of the country’s telecoms sector, where infrastructure sharing has long been discussed but rarely implemented at this scale.

    “This agreement represents a significant step in our commitment to driving industry collaboration, improving customer experience, and supporting the NCC’s vision of a fully connected Nigeria.

    “Delivering the scale required for telecommunications services in Nigeria requires strong collaboration between the private sector, public sector, and long-term investors. This agreement demonstrates what we can achieve when we collaborate, and we are delighted to announce it today after months of groundwork,” Dr Toriola said.

    He expressed delight in taking the lead in collaboration in the industry.

    He said: “We are very happy, as MTN, to take the lead in fostering industry collaboration, and this aligns with the objectives of the NCC, which is to deepen digital acceleration and to ensure industry sustainability.

    “We are therefore very grateful to our NCC EVC, Dr. Aminu Maida, and the entire leadership of the NCC for their support in pushing through this partnership. We are also very grateful to our minister, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who is the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, for championing the drive for cost-efficient industry partnership and collaboration.”

  • MTN unveils $150m cloud platform, Tier 3 data centre

    MTN unveils $150m cloud platform, Tier 3 data centre

    • Minister says telco positioning Nigeria for investors

    Technology company, MTN Nigeria, yesterday restated its commitment to the digital future of Nigeria as it unveiled its enterprise cloud platform and Tier 3 data centre in Ikeja, the heart of Lagos.

    Speaking during the unveiling of the telco’s Enterprise Business Cloud Platform and Tier 3 data centre, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, commended the phenomenal investment of the carrier which he said aligned with the push for the digitization of the economy and the $1trillion economy push of President Bola Tinubu as anchored in the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    He said the facility will allow start-ups and creators to build and scale up their innovations, adding that the investment by the telco is putting the nation on the path of attracting more investment.

    Also speaking on the occasion, Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu lauded the telco for its wise decision to invest in the state which is undoubtedly the heartbeat of technology in the country.

    Represented by the Secretary to State Government, Barr. ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the governor said: “As we all know, data is the new oil, the compass to a nation’s wealth and cloud technology is the engine that drives it. With this Tier 3 facility MTN is raising the bar for secure, scalable and efficient enterprise services which is a critical enabler of businesses, public services, startups and multinational corporations alike.

    “Lagos being home to a population moving closer to 30 million people and Nigeria’s economic nerve center, Nigeria’s commercial capital, the number one business hub of Nigeria, and the third largest economy in West Africa, the fifth largest economy in Africa and the fastest growing mega city in the world is obviously the natural choice for such a forward-looking investment.

    “Hello MTN, you are wise. Do you know that in May this year 2025 Lagos was named the world’s fastest growing tech city for 2025 according to the global tech ecosystem. So where else in the world of Africa, in fact the whole world, is best for MTN’s enterprise tech investment if not Lagos, your Lagos, our Lagos, the state of excellence and currently the world’s fastest growing tech city.

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    “I congratulate MTN on this wise investment choice. We are pleased to announce that our collaborative path to success alongside MTN Nigeria has been a mutually beneficial endeavor. Lagos State under my administration has consistently maintained a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation, enterprise and technological growth.

    “Our policies, regulatory reforms and infrastructure investments are designed to support companies like MTN in their quest to provide world-class services and create jobs for attaining youth. You know that youth development and inclusivity are the main pillars of this administration’s THEMES Plus developmental agenda. In line with our smart city agenda we have prioritized the digitization of public services, supported the development of tech paths and created opportunities for public-private partnerships to drive digital inclusion.

    “MTN has been an active and dependable partner in these efforts from expanding broadband access to supporting digital literacy and ICT education across various communities in Lagos. This new data center and enterprise cloud platform represent more than a technological advancement; they symbolize the deepening of trust, collaboration and shared visions and aspirations between MTN and the Lagos state government. We are confident that these facilities will enhance the capacity of local businesses to compete globally, boost data sovereignty and drive economic growth,” Sanwo-Olu said.

    Speaking on the occasion, MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr Karl Toriola, described the infrastructure as “an exceptional investment in Nigeria.”

    He said the company has consistently maintained that it is the country to stay, and this is another mark of our representation and of our commitment to this country.

    “We are opening the largest data centre in West Africa. It is lined with current traffic today, with a capacity of 4.5 megawatts, which will grow to 14 megawatts over the next 24 months or so.

    “Today is not simply the commissioning of the state-of-the-art data centre and launch of a new cloud platform, it’s a lot more. It’s a representation of technological investment that doubles as a full statement of our steadfast commitment to Nigeria’s digital future, in line with the direction and policy of Dr. Bosun Tijani in digitising the economy, both in terms of driving economic activity and driving skills in the country. It is a significant leap in the digital landscape to meet increasing demands of Nigerian businesses for solutions that foster growth and innovation.

    “Businesses can digitise their processes, improve efficiency, and drive economic growth across the nation. Our data centre is a vital resource to propel exponential growth in data usage and the data economy, and to enhance the delivery of content from major technology companies, bringing content closer to Nigerian users and improving access to speed. This local hosting of content will significantly boost user experience and service delivery.

    “These facilities are designed to provide the highest levels of reliability, scalability, and security. They not only comply with local regulations, the regulations on data protection and privacy being one of the most important, but they also align with our ESG principles, and the data centre is equipped with advanced cooling and power systems, redundant network connections with seven degrees of connection to the data centre, rigorous security protocols to safeguard data against potential threats, and most importantly, it ensures our clients’ data is always safe and always accessible to them. Our vision in MTM, in alignment with the Federal Government of Nigeria, goes beyond providing solid infrastructure to Nigerian businesses.

    “We are committed to building sovereign, locally managed, globally competitive digital platforms that will enable businesses to scale faster and innovate more securely while recharging services. To do this, we will continue to invest in research and development and explore new technologies and new innovations. At MTN, we believe that everyone, particularly Nigerians and Africans, deserve the benefits of a modern, connected life, and we’ll continue to do everything in our power to push boundaries for this purpose and make the seemingly impossible, unfeelable, feasible, and possible.

    “There are a lot of people that have contributed to this project and we’ve invested close to $150 million in this data centre with a phase two expansion fund. I would like to express our most sincere appreciation to the valid stakeholders in the government for their consistent guidance and support. I would like to thank our partners for the enduring commitment to our goal,” Toriola said.

    According to him, two things were being launched simultaneously. One is actually the physical infrastructure of the data centre. It’s live, we’ll give you a tour of it. It’s current traffic, we already have customers here.

    “But the second one is our local cloud, MTN cloud, which effectively competes with the hyperscalers and allows tech companies and innovators, which I know is very close to your heart, Hon Minister, to secure cloud capacity for computing and storage in Naira at a very competitive price compared to the hyperscalers, which are generally American companies.

    “So, we thank you for being here. Together, we are shaping the future of digital transformation in Nigeria, and we are beyond excited about all that is ahead of us.

    “I’d also like to take one moment to highlight what has gone into this project and how it has contributed to the economy of Nigeria. Having spent close to $150 million in the infrastructure here, we have worked with local partners who have participated in the construction. We have secured planning approvals and permits for legal seats, which generates, of course, income for legal seats.

    “We’ve brought in equipment from our international vendors, for which we’ve paid customs duties. We’ve built skills, and we’ve built skills in the ability of Nigerians to build infrastructure of this type. 300 people at one point in time were employed in the construction of this infrastructure, and the project is still continuing as we spoke of the expansion.

    “So, we look forward in terms of the capacity we are providing for hosting and cloud services, but as we stand today, this project has contributed significantly to the economy of Nigeria, to the economy of legal space, and to skill development in Nigeria,” Toriola said.

  • MTN urges responsible AI use

    MTN urges responsible AI use

    The use of local content in Artificial Intelligence systems is essential for delivering accurate, region-specific results, according to MTN Nigeria’s General Manager for Regulatory Affairs, Ikenna Ikeme. He shared this perspective at the recently held Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Conference, held in Abuja recently. The conference convened industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss the role of data and AI in shaping Africa’s future. Key discussions focused on balancing innovation with risk, safeguarding data in AI systems, promoting responsible data use, and enabling cross-border data flows.

    During a panel on “Data Governance for Responsible and Beneficial Use of AI,” Ikeme highlighted data’s dual nature. “Data can be transformational by bringing efficiency to businesses, but it also presents risks, ranging from privacy to investment,” he stated. He warned against relying too much on external data.

    Adewale Adene, Google’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager, also spoke at the session. Adene projected AI and data governance could add $30 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030. “All relevant authorities and stakeholders must ensure Africa is positioned to capitalise on this new economy,” he urged.

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    Other panelists included Nonye Ujam, Government Affairs Lead at Microsoft; Ololade Shyllon, Director of Privacy Policy for Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey at Meta; Oliver Patel, Head of Enterprise AI Governance at AstraZeneca (who joined remotely); Femi Daniel, Senior Counsel, Privacy and Data Protection at Mastercard; and Adewolu Adene, Government Affairs and Public Policy Manager at Google.

    The conference stressed the urgent need for African stakeholders to create strategic policies. These policies should support both growth and safety. Participants called for collaboration, investment in local data infrastructure, and strong legal frameworks. This is to ensure AI technologies are developed and used responsibly.

    The NADPA Conference served as a timely call to action. It urged governments, companies, and regulators to prioritise trust and transparency. Homegrown solutions are key in shaping Africa’s digital destiny, the conference concluded.

  • Alleged infraction: MTN CEO, others evading court services, says FCCPC

    Alleged infraction: MTN CEO, others evading court services, says FCCPC

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Mr. Karl Toriola, and others were evading service of court documents on them.

    FCCPC, through its lawyer, Nsitem Chizenum, told Justice Hauwa Yilwa at the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FCCPC had, in the charge, dragged the MTN Nigeria Communications Plc; Toriola; Tobechukwu Okigbo, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, and Ikenna Ikeme, General Manager, Regulatory Affairs of MTN, to court as the first to fourth defendants.

    They were preferred with two counts in the charge, dated July 19, 2024, and filed July 22, 2024 by a team of lawyers, led by Akoji Achimugu.

    The defendants would be arraigned for alleged failure to produce documents and information required by the commission in compliance with a lawful summons, contrary to the FCCPC Act.

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    NAN earlier reported that the matter was fixed for May 28 for the defendants to take their plea.

    But when the matter was called yesterday, none of the defendants was in court.

    The lawyer who appeared for FCCPC, Chizenum, told the judge that it was obvious the defendants were not in court.

    He said on the last adjourned date, the court hinted that it was the duty of the prosecution to bring the defendants to court, hence, efforts were made to produce them in court today.

    “We have made several efforts and we equally used the bailiff of this court to serve them but it seems they were evading service my lord,” he said.

    Justice Yilwa adjourned the matter till September 25 for arraignment.

  • MTN okays N900b for service quality

    MTN okays N900b for service quality

    MTN Nigeria has announced a massive capital expenditure (CAPEX) drive for 2025, nearly doubling its investment to almost N900 billion as it seeks to significantly enhance network service quality in major cities like Lagos and Abuja and extend improvements to other areas.

    This financial commitment, up from a combined total of approximately N440 billion spent in 2023 and 2024, was detailed by MTN Nigeria CEO, Dr. Karl Toriola, during a recent Tv interview.

    Toriola highlighted that a key focus of the increased CAPEX will be on “putting additional capacity in a city like Lagos, particularly in Abuja, where you have a lot of buildings coming up, you need additional sites because there are coverage issues.”

    Beyond these critical urban centres, the investment aims to bolster network resilience and ensure power stability for its infrastructure nationwide. This includes proactively addressing site outages by ensuring timely payment for operational necessities such as diesel for generators, a persistent challenge in the Nigerian operating environment.

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    The CEO outlined the comprehensive nature of the upgrade process, which involves “placing orders formally, opening letters of credit, and then the equipment gets shipped in and installed.” He added that where necessary, MTN will be “acquiring new sites” and “laying fiber to the base station to create better stability.”

    While the immediate CAPEX is geared towards improving existing service quality and capacity, this investment aligns with MTN’s broader goals, which include enhancing financial inclusion in underserved rural areas, suggesting a long-term vision for network expansion and service improvement that extends beyond metropolitan areas.

    Customers are expected to begin experiencing the positive impact of these investments with a “significant improvement in quality of service” anticipated by the end of the second quarter or early in the third quarter of 2025, according to Toriola.

  • We want to see journalists who care about Nigeria, says MTN chief

    We want to see journalists who care about Nigeria, says MTN chief

    • •Telecom giant trains 22 media practitioners on innovative, impactful storytelling

    The Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, has said the telecommunications giant cares about journalists and their profession.

    He said the company sponsored a six-month training programme for 22 journalists from different media houses to see that they care about Nigeria and what it should become.

    “What we want to see at the end of the day are journalists who, through their work – whatever part of journalism you play – will prove that you are the fourth estate of the realm; that you care about this country, that you’re contributing to making this country the kind of place we want to live in.

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    “We want you to bring your best self to this programme, to be involved fully in everything that you are doing and, at the end of the day, to be as proud of yourselves as you want to feel,” he said.

    Okigbo spoke virtually at the opening of the training programme holding at the School of Media and Communication (SMC) at Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos, for its Innovation Programme (MIP).

    The training programme is in continuation of the company’s drive to equip media practitioners with requisite skills to produce factual and impactful stories.

    The 22 participants, who were selected from the mainstream and new media, were shortlisted from a pool of over 3,000 applications after rigorous screenings.

    Okigbo urged participants to put their best efforts into get the best result from the programme.

    He described the MIP as one of the most significant interventions by MTN Nigeria.

    He said: “I think you are privileged. I think there are only 22 of you. The last I checked, there were more than 3,000 people that applied to do MIP from all walks of life. Some of them are serving military officers, commissioners, people in government, and people from everywhere.”

    Welcoming participants to the university, the Dean of SMC, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, expressed optimism that the trainees would be transformed at the end of the programme.

    Obiaya, who was represented by the acting Dean, Prof. Ngozi Okpara, noted that the programme would challenge the participants’ creative thinking and motivate them to evolve their practice in line with the media landscape.

    “You know that the media landscape in Nigeria and globally is changing. For you to survive and thrive, you must be able to do much more than others.  “So, we are grateful to MTN because without them, we would not be here. They have been generous towards this mission – to have a better media landscape in Nigeria, “ he saidd.

    “This sponsorship by MTN is not just to be generous and to allow you to come here. But it is also a powerful statement of belief in the future of media in the world and in Nigeria.

    “The media landscape in Nigeria is changing every day. So, over the next six months, this fully-funded programme will equip you with cutting-edge tools, to be transformed; to be more engaging to your different stakeholders.”

    To enable the participants fully utilise the opportunity, MTN’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Chineze Olutoye, advised the participants to ensure they learn and practicalise something new.

  • MTN trains 22 media practitioners on innovative, impactful storytelling

    MTN trains 22 media practitioners on innovative, impactful storytelling

    In continuation of its drive to equip media practitioners with necessary skills to produce factual and impactful stories, telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has sponsored 22 professionals to the School of Media and Communication (SMC) Pan-Atlantic University (PAU), Lagos, for its Innovation Programme (MIP).

    The 22 participants who were chosen from the mainstream and new media, were shortlisted from a pool of over 3,000 applications after rigorous screenings.

    In his opening remark, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, who addressed the fourth cohort virtually, challenged participants to bring their best selves to the programme.

    Okigbo who apologized for his unavoidable physical absence, stressed that the MIP has become one of the most significant interventions by MTN Nigeria.

    He said: “It is my privilege and my honor to welcome you as the fourth cohort of our MIP. I am so sorry I will not be able to be with you physically. This will be the first time since we started this that I am doing this via a video. The energy that comes from the interaction between myself and yourselves in the classroom setting is something I enjoy and I feed off of. 

    “I am so sorry I am not there physically, but yet I am with you in spirit. Other cohorts, I have explained to them how MIP came to be. It’s an idea that came from a team. The only thing I did was approve. It has grown to be one of the most significant and, in my view, the proudest intervention as a leader in MTN that I am part of.

    “I think you guys are privileged. I think there are only 22 of you. The last I checked, there are more than 3,000 people that applied to do MIP from all walks of life. Some of them are serving military officers, commissioners, people in government, people from everywhere. 

    “This goes to show that even though we’ve had an odd 60 people doing it, it has garnered and at least given the kind of impact that we want it to give. You are privileged to be here and you’re here because of your hard work. 

    “You went through an exacting process to be here. So you’ve won already…”

    Continuing, Okigbo noted that the programme was designed such that participants would undertake projects and defend them to justify the time and resources expended.

    “What we want to see at the end of the day are journalists who, through their work, are journalists who, through their work, whatever part of journalism you play, will prove that you are the fourth estate of the realm; that you care about this country, that you’re contributing to making this country the kind of place we want to live in. 

    “We want you to bring your best self to this programme, to be involved fully in everything that you are doing and at the end of the day, to be as proud of yourself as you want to feel. I welcome you once again. I pray that this will be a rewarding experience for you. I look forward to seeing you when I come back,” he added.

    Welcoming participants to the university, the Dean, SMC, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, expressed optimism that the trainees would be transformed at the end of the programme.

    Obiaya, who was represented by the acting Dean, Prof. Ngozi Okpara, noted that the programme would challenge the participants’ creative thinking and motivate them to evolve their practice in line with the media landscape.

    “You know that the media landscape in Nigeria and globally is changing and for you to survive and thrive, you must be able to do much more than others. 

    “So, we are grateful to MTN because without them, we would not be here. They have been generous towards this mission- to have a better media landscape in Nigeria- 

    “This sponsorship by MTN is not just to be generous and to allow you to come here. But it is also a powerful statement of belief in the future of media in the world and in Nigeria. 

    “Like I said before, the media landscape in Nigeria is changing every day. So, over the next six months, this fully funded programme will equip you with cutting edge tools. To be transformed. To be more engaging to your different stakeholders…”

    The Dean said the participants would be exposed to entrepreneurial thinking, technical expertise, innovations, legal and ethical aspects of media practice to enable them thrive.

    “For instance, we all know that AI is transforming what all of us do both in the classroom, in different professions. So, in the media landscape, from content creation to personalisation to audience engagement, data analysis and so on, AI is shaping what it means to tell stories and to consume information.

    Read Also: MTN, Airtel invest N202.4b, $670m in first quarter

    “So, this programme recognizes these paradigm shifts. Not just AI but so many things that change in the media landscape…You need to keep improving and that’s why we are here to equip you with the necessary skills to think creatively, be innovative and also think ethically.

    “But in all of these, I do hope you have the time here, in the ambience of this environment, to reflect, discover yourself, connect with each other, and the faculty, as well as connect with ideas.

    “I encourage you to deeply connect with the faculty of people who are going to teach you. With your peers, because I am sure you are good in different angles. You can share experiences so that it will be better when you leave here. “Beyond that, it’s also important for us to be inspired by these ideas we are going to get, by the experiences that will be provided to you by MTN, by the quality of faculty we have here, and by the quality of the management we have for this programme,” Obiaya said.

    Encouraging the participants to utilize the opportunity, MTN’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Chineze Olutoye, advised that each individual should ensure they learned and practicalise something new.

  • MTN, Airtel invest N202.4b, $670m in first quarter

    MTN, Airtel invest N202.4b, $670m in first quarter

    Two major carriers, MTN and Airtel, have spent N202.4 billion and $670 million respectively on network infrastructure, according to the unaudited results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025 and results for year ended March 31, 2025 released by the telecom munication companies.

    MTN Nigeria invested N202.4 billion in the first  quarter 2025, marking a 159 per cent increase from first quarter 2024. Airtel incurred capital expenditures (capex) of $670 million. Airtel’s capex was, however, below its guidance, reflecting a deferral of data centre investment.

    Airtel said its capex  guidance for the next year is between $725 million and $750 million as it continued to invest for future growth.

    Riding on what they say is improved operating environment as a result of a 50 per cent tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) with implementation that took effect in February, the mobile network operators (MNOs) say they plan to do more to improve end-user experience on the network.

    Telecom subscribers, through subscriber bodies such as Association of Telephone, Cable Tv and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria) and the National Association of Telecom Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMS) have separately raised the alarm over worsening service quality, especially coming on the heels of implementation of the 50per cent tariff raise. According to the operators, the NCC had given them a-three-month window within which to improve service quality.

    NCC CEO Dr. Aminu Maida said telcos have made a $1 billion investment to upgrade existing network towards an improved end-user experience.

    While MTN Nigeria said it plans to invest ₦800billion on infrastructure to boost its network quality nationwide, Airtel Nigeria which did not disclose how much it invested on capex it its March 31, 2025 ended result, pledged to double its investment.

    Chief Customer and Experience Officer at MTN Nigeria, Ugonwa Nwoye, acknowledged the public’s expectations for immediate service improvements but emphasised that large-scale infrastructure takes time to deploy. Nonetheless, MTN expects customers to begin experiencing visible improvements in network performance by the second half of the year explained that although public concern is valid, the company undertook several internal cost-efficiency measures before making structural adjustments. She emphasised that improved investment is critical to fast-tracking improvements across MTN’s network. MTN Nigeria reaffirmed that its ongoing infrastructure investment is a strategic step to improve network quality, speed, and nationwide coverage.

    Read Also: MTN commits $10b to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure

    Nwoye said the telco undertook extensive internal reforms before embarking on structural changes needed to support this scale of investment. The company completed its phased roll-out of the increase between February and March, ensuring that every existing data plan was below the 50per cent increase, and most remained below 25per cent. She also noted that cust omers were proactively informed about all changes, particularly when certain legacy plans were retired and replaced with new ones.

    “We gave customers six to eight weeks’ notice. This is why it has taken us some time to complete this process, where we let customers know that at a certain date, this particular tariff is not going to exist,” she said.

    Nwoye stressed that MTN had exhausted other internal measures before turning to broader structural updates. Now, with the new pricing structure in place, the company is accelerating its investment in infrastructure, spending over ₦200 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone, a 159 per cent increase from the same period last year. A total capital expenditure of ₦800 billion is planned for the year.  She noted that this investment is a direct outcome of long-term operational restructuring aimed at improving service quality.

     “We are investing over ₦800 billion this year alone in our infrastructure. This will translate into better customer experience, reduced congestion, faster internet speeds, and wider network reach,” she said.

    This investment will support the upgrade of over 1,000 cell sites and the expansion of more than 2,000 transmission links nationwide. Nwoye stressed that these upgrades are designed to deliver faster data speeds, fewer dropped calls, and broader network reach, especially in underserved areas.

    In a sector where service quality and customer satisfaction are closely watched, MTN said its ongoing investments are not merely capital commitments but vital enablers of improved digital experiences across Nigeria.

    For Airtel Nigeria, it also announced that it is doubling its capex commitment to the market, reinforcing its unwavering dedication to delivering superior service and driving digital inclusion.

    This unprecedented investment surge covers critical infrastructure upgrades, rural coverage expansion, advanced data solutions, customer experience enhancements, and community-driven initiatives. The move also underlines Airtel Nigeria’s continued role as a pivotal force in the nation’s digital transformation and economic progress.

    I said in a statement that at the heart of the investment strategy is the expansion and fortification of its network infrastructure, aimed at significantly elevating connectivity and customer experience across the country, adding it is rapidly rolling out 5G technology on its sites nationwide, enabling ultra-fast data speeds and enhanced service quality.

     “Additional sites are being established to deepen network reach, particularly in underserved rural areas, ensuring that more Nigerians benefit from reliable mobile connectivity.

     “Upgrades at existing sites include the installation of high-capacity radios to accommodate growing data consumption.

     “Airtel is deploying additional fiber networks while also relocating existing fiber lines to optimize connectivity.

     “Investments include equipping data centers to leverage the 2Africa cable landing stations and international bandwidth, significantly boosting data throughput.

    “Airtel is building a new, state-of-the-art data center to support its growing customer base and enhance data management capabilities,” the telco said, adding that new shops and outlets were being built nationwide to improve customer access and service delivery.

    Airtel is introducing cutting edge terminals and devices to enable customers access data services, including home broadband.

    CEO of Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said: “Our decision to double our investment reflects our deep commitment to Nigeria’s future. As a company that views Nigeria as home, we are investing in transformative infrastructure that will deliver unmatched value to our customers and make connectivity an everyday reality for more Nigerians. This is not just about technology; it’s about empowerment and making a positive difference in people’s lives.”