Telecom
How MTN is Improving Broadband Penetration in Nigeria
The internet has revolutionized communications. It has improved interactive communication and accelerated globalization. Its ubiquity is visible in every aspect of our day-to-day lives, changing the way we interact in the workplace, at home, school, and other areas of human endeavors. An internet connection is a necessity and not a luxury.
L-R – General Manager Sales, LandAfrique, Mr. Phillip Obih; General Manager, Enterprise Sales, MTN Nigeria, Bukola Akande; Chief Executive Officer, LandAfrique Group, Paulo Cruz; Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mazen Mroue and General Manager, Fixed Broadband, MTN Nigeria, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka at the signing ceremony between LandAfrique and MTN Nigeria for Fiber optic deployment in Agbara Estate
The internet has also witnessed great transformation over the years. In its early days, it was a static network designed to shuttle a small freight of bytes or a short message between two terminals. Today, however, large quantities of information are uploaded and downloaded over the internet, enabling individuals to create content, and communicate with each other.
According to Digital Council Africa, fibre internet subscriptions have surged by over 168% in the past five years, with 1.6 million endpoints registered by 2020. Fibre-optic internet is a broadband connection that can reach speeds of up to 940 Megabits per second (Mbps), with low lag time. It can send data as fast as about 70% the speed of light.
In furtherance of its commitment to expanding broadband access across Nigeria, MTN Nigeria revealed earlier this year plans to invest 640 billion naira (approximately $1.5 billion) over the next three years to expand broadband access. This is in line with the Nigerian federal government’s 2020-2025 National Broadband Plan and in support of the MTN Group strategy, Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
At a recently concluded groundbreaking exercise in Akwa Ibom state, MTN Nigeria, in partnership with the state government, unveiled its newly installed fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network in Dakkada luxury estate to ensure reliable and affordable internet connectivity for residents.
At the foundation laying ceremony, performed by his Excellency, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, the estate which is said to be strategic for business owners, was borne out of the need to provide low-density housing units to the people. The luxury housing estate will have modern amenities, including back-up-gas powered electricity, and a water treatment plant certified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) amongst others.
The event was also attended by the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, his excellency, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, members of the State and National Assembly, Captains of Industries, Ministers, and Traditional rulers.
In a similar vein, the telecom giant has also partnered with Landafrique, an integrated real estate firm to deploy fibre-optic infrastructure to connect homes and businesses in Agbara Estate.
The agreement was signed at a formal ceremony held at MTN Nigeria’s Headquarters in Ikoyi on November 17, 2021, and had in attendance, MTN management led by the Chief Operating Officer, Mazen Mroue and accompanied by the General Manager, Enterprise Sales, Bukola Akande and General Manager, Fixed Broadband, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, as well as representatives from Landafrique Nigeria Limited, including the CEO, Paulo Cruz, Phillip Obih, General Manager, Sales, Landafrique and the General Manager, Agbara Estate Properties, Moshood Oyebode.
The partnership spans 10 years, and covers the deployment of MTN FibreNet Broadband internet services with at least 5Mbps and internet throughput to each housing unit; as well as industrial and commercial units within the estate.
Commenting on the partnership, the Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mazen Mroue, said the technology allows for increased network performance, as well as higher speeds over a long distance.
“At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The installation of the MTN FibreNet Broadband in Agbara Estate will ensure that residents are always connected with incredible speeds, leading to increased performance either at work or at home.”
Fibernet assures that wherever you are, you are always connected with speed, enabling you to achieve so much more in a shorter time. The fibre-to-the-home allows for multiple upgrades without having to replace the fiber. If you or your business needs high bandwidth, a dedicated fibre link is the best option as it helps to ensure high-speed connectivity to transfer high volumes of data.
The Fibre-to-the-home network will promote high-speed internet penetration and ensure high-speed internet penetration in Nigeria.
MTN’s support for Nigeria’s plans to secure 90% broadband population coverage by 2025 aligns with the company’s belief that everyone deserves the benefits of modern connected life. MTN is working to extend digital and financial inclusion across Africa, while also positively contributing to the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
Globacom is rolling out extensive network improvements to deliver a significantly better experience for its customers. These proactive measures are designed to ensure subscribers continue to get excellent value, particularly following recent tariff adjustments.
The ongoing upgrade involves a widespread deployment of new base stations, expanding coverage to previously underserved areas, and strengthening existing coverage in growing population centres. This strategic densification will guarantee superior network quality for both voice and data services across the entire country.
In a significant investment, Globacom is also re-routing its fibre infrastructure in several locations where road construction has compromised the fibre, including vital routes like Auchi-Okene and Benin-Ekpoma, Lafia-Akwanga, Minna-Abuja, and Funtua-Gusau.
“We decided, at a huge cost, to relocate the fibres, many of which had been vandalized in several places by uncoordinated road construction activities, in order to bring best-in-class services to customers”, the company disclosed.
Customers can look forward to brighter days ahead as Glo completes the deployment of hundreds of new sites nationwide. This year alone, thousands of 4G LTE sites have been activated in key cities, with additional hundreds of new sites are currently being deployed to further boost connectivity. These efforts are supported by massive upgrades of backhaul capacity (microwave and fibre) and a seamless improvement in the core network.
Globacom assured its subscribers that these ongoing initiatives will translate to enhanced service delivery, expanded coverage, faster data speeds, and overall improved network performance. The company plans to add over a thousand new sites in the next year, prioritizing LTE expansion to deepen its reliable data reach and extending fibre to more hub sites for greater service robustness.
Furthermore, Glo is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint by expanding hybrid power solutions and relying more on battery power across its sites, representing another substantial investment.
Despite these positive developments, Globacom continues to highlight the challenge of deliberate sabotage of network equipment, even with its designation as critical national infrastructure, emphasizing the need for stronger protective measures.
Nigeria’s corporate landscape is witnessing a significant transformation, with women increasingly occupying leadership positions and reshaping the narrative at the highest levels. A striking example of this shift unfolded recently as Mrs. Uto Ukpanah, FCIS, Company Secretary of MTN Nigeria, was inaugurated as the 30th President and Chairman of Council of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN).
L-R: Dr. Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria; Uto Ukpanah, President, ICSAN and Company Secretary, MTN Nigeria, and Aniekan Ukpanah, Managing Partner, Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie at the Investiture Ceremony of Uto Ukpanah as ICSAN 30th President, held in Lagos on Wednesday, July 23, 2o25.
Historically, ICSAN was led exclusively by men for nearly 57 years. However, the trend began to change in 2023 when Mrs. Funmi Ekundayo broke barriers as the Institute’s first female president. In 2025, her successor and former vice president, Mrs. Ukpanah, has now become only the second woman to assume the presidency, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s governance sector.
This development aligns with the broader momentum for women’s leadership across Nigeria’s business ecosystem. MTN Nigeria stands out as a champion of gender diversity. The company’s 2024 Annual Report reveals that women now constitute 41.4% of the workforce, a marked increase by 3% compared to 2023.
Among executive management, women hold 34.7% of positions, while female board representation stands at 21.4%. MTN’s deliberate drive, bolstered by initiatives such as the Women in Tech programme and the Y’ello Mums Internship, is fostering a pipeline of female talent across all tiers.
Female leaders at MTN are shaping strategy and impact on multiple fronts: Dr. Mosun Olusoga chairs the MTN Foundation; Odunayo Sanya serves as the Executive Director, MTN Foundation; Dr. Omobola Johnson contributes as a Non-Executive Director of the Board of Directors; and a host of others including Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Esther Akinnukawe, Ugonwa Nwoye, among others, lead critical business functions.
MTN’s policy of inclusion is reflected not just in numbers, but in recent recognitions. In 2024, Odunayo Sanya was named CSI Personality of the Year at the Nigeria Tech Innovation & Telecoms Awards, and Josephine Sarouk, Managing Director of Bayobab Nigeria (subsidiary of MTN), received the Woman in Telecoms Award in London.
Mrs. Ukpanah herself was honoured as the first-ever African recipient of the Global Corporate Secretary of the Year Award by the Corporate Secretaries International Association (CSIA), a testament to her pioneering leadership.
Ukpanah’s investiture as ICSAN President was held on July 23, 2025, in Lagos, attracting an array of dignitaries, government officials, and business leaders. Chaired by Prof. Hakeem Belo-Osagie, with a keynote delivered by Dr. Omobola Johnson, the event saw the full support of MTN Nigeria’s top brass, including CEO Karl Toriola and Board Chairman Dr. Ernest Ndukwe. In his goodwill message, Dr. Ndukwe remarked:
“This honour is a fitting recognition for Uto’s distinguished career, unwavering professionalism, and deep commitment to the principles of good governance. Uto has consistently exemplified the values that I believe ICSAN upholds, and we are confident that her leadership will further strengthen the Institute’s aspirations towards promoting excellence in governance.
“At MTN Nigeria, we are proud of her achievements and reaffirm our full support as she embarks on this important assignment. We look forward to the positive impact her tenure will bring to ICSAN.”
Also, her husband, Aniekan Ukpanah, Senior Partner at Udo Udoma & Belo-Osagie, described her as “a passionate steward, rooted in family, bound by purpose, and committed to legacy.” Outgoing ICSAN President Mrs. Ekundayo added that Ukpanah is “astute, visionary, and principled.”
Mrs. Ukpanah’s ascendancy to ICSAN’s top office, and MTN’s visible support, do more than celebrate personal or organisational victories; they signal a new era, one in which women are not just present, but are key architects of governance and future prosperity for Nigeria.
National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians over the illegal sale of personal data, including the National Identification Number (NIN), amid reports of a growing underground market targeting unsuspecting citizens.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commission expressed deep concern following revelations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that young Nigerians are offering between ₦1,500 and ₦2,000 to individuals in exchange for their NIN and other sensitive details. These details are then allegedly resold to certain fintech platforms for as much as ₦5,000.
“This is not just a case of minor fraud, it’s a threat to national security and personal safety,” said Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC. “When you hand over your data to unknown agents, you are essentially handing over control of your identity.”
The Commission reiterated that it will not be held liable for any misuse of personal data shared voluntarily by individuals or through third parties for financial gain or inducement.
NIMC further cautioned service providers to ensure that every NIN presented for services is properly verified using approved channels before access is granted.
To safeguard personal identity, Nigerians are encouraged to download the NINAuth App, available on Apple iOS and Google Play Store. The app enables users to manage, secure, and control access to their NIN data.
“The story of your identity should be written by you, not sold for a quick payout,” the Commission stated.
NAN reports that the NIMC’s advisory comes amid rising concerns over digital identity theft and the misuse of personal data in Nigeria’s expanding fintech ecosystem.
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