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Telecoms Holds Greatest Promise for Financial Inclusion – Danbatta

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L-R: Omoniyi Ibietan, Head, Online Media and Special Publications, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Charles Ifedi, Consultant; Bako Wakil, Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, NCC; Adeleke Adewolu, Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, NCC; Elizabeth Mcquerry, Glenbrook Partners’ official; Prof Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive (EVC/CE), NCC; Abiodun Jagun, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; Josephine Amuwa, Director, Policy, Competition and Economic Analysis, NCC; Usman Malah, Chief of Staff to the EVC, NCC; Ifeanyi Monyei, Consultant during the visit.
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Prof. Umar Danbatta, executive vice chairman and chief executive (EVC/CE) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has stated that telecommunications remains the best enabler in expanding the frontiers of financial inclusion in Nigeria.

Telecoms Holds Greatest Promise for Financial Inclusion - Danbatta

Group photograph at the event

Danbatta affirmed this at the NCC Head Office while receiving a team from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and the Foundation’s Consultants, Glenbrooks Partners, who paid a visit to the Commission to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership to enhance financial inclusion in Nigeria.

At the meeting, which held at the request of the Foundation, Danbatta said the realisation of the centrality of telecommunication to all aspects of the economy explains NCC’s upbeat in identifying access gaps and in instituting processes for the expansion of telecom infrastructure across the country.

The EVC said the infrastructure companies (Infracos) have been licensed by the Commission to cascade fibre from landing ports to the hinterland of Nigeria, especially the 774 local government areas in Nigeria.

He expressed hope that the Federal Government will take a concrete position soon to enable the Infracos to commence operations because “fibre is the real solution to the volume of transactions in the financial services sector”.

Danbatta declared that 35 million Nigerians have no access to telecommunications services and by implication; they lack access to digital financial services, a condition that undermines financial inclusion.

According to the EVC, this challenge is caused by inadequacy of both wireless and fibre connectivity infrastructure. “We need to do more investment in both fixed and wireless infrastructure to enable us to reach our target of at least 80 percent level of financial inclusion in about four years”, he emphasised.

The EVC said access to telecom services by distant, isolated, unserved and underserved communities will enable more citizens to embrace digital financial culture.

Danbatta revealed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued Mobile Money Payment Services license to some mobile network operators to enable them to undertake mobile financial transaction services.

Danbatta therefore advocated renewed greater cooperation and collaboration between the banking and telecommunications sectors to harmonise the cost of transactions for financial services in an equitable manner.

Abiodun Jagun of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation who led the delegation comprising Elizabeth Mcquerry of Glenbrook Partners as well as Ifeanyi Monye and Charles Ifedi, who are consultants to Glenbrook, informed the EVC that the Foundation requested for the meeting in other to deepen the extant the partnership between the Foundation and the Federal Government of Nigeria to increase citizens’ access to financial resources.

Jagun said the discussion with the Commission is so important because it regulates the telecom sector and it is already addressing some infrastructure challenges which is central to connectivity and the embrace of digital culture and inclusive access to financial resources by citizens.

She (Jagun) said that understanding the strides made by the Commission, as well as the challenges it faces, will help the Foundation to know the nature of collaboration and support to offer without distorting or disrupting the market.

Jagun said the beauty of the visit and the discussions are meant to ensure that the philanthropic opportunities offered by BMGF are supportive and complementary to the digital ecosystem.

Mcquerry also commended the commitment of the Federal Government to expanding access to digital resources.

She also expressed hope that this commitment will trickle down to find implementation among all agencies of government.

Mcquerry equally appealed to all stakeholders to work in synergy to ensure increased access and affordability of digital and financial services by “people at the bottom of the bottom of the pyramid.”

 

 

 


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Telecom

MTN @ First-ever CED, Pledges to Address Subscribers’ Concerns

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MTN Nigeria, has pledged the company’s renewed commitment to transparency and responsiveness in addressing customer concerns.

MTN @ First-ever CED, Pledges to Address Subscribers’ Concerns

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria,

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, stated this at the telecoms provider its first-ever Customer Engagement Day (CED) in Lagos.

Speaking during the event, Toriola fielded real-time questions from customers, responding to issues ranging from data quality to customer service gaps.

“We’ve invested heavily to build a network that delivers value for money. While data in Nigeria remains among the most affordable globally, our priority is quality and consistency that truly powers ambition. Today is about transparency: answering your questions, listening to your concerns, and showing that MTN is not just a service provider; we are a partner in your journey,” he said.

The company emphasised that the Customer Engagement Day was designed as an open forum for dialogue between MTN executives and customers.

The hybrid event, themed “We See You. We’re With You,” featured sessions on digital literacy, data usage, youth mentorship, and financial inclusion, aimed at improving subscriber experience and usage efficiency.

Ayham Moussa, chief operating officer, MTN Nigeria, in his opening remarks, highlighted the company’s long-standing connection with Nigerians, noting that its operations were built with input from ordinary citizens.

“When MTN began, it was built by people like you: engineers, entrepreneurs, everyday Nigerians. Today, we connect over 80 million people, and our focus remains simple: to stand with you in your hustle, support your ambitions, and make life easier. This journey is about listening, improving daily, and being a shield for homes and businesses across Nigeria,” he said.

A key session on Data Usage and Management offered participants practical guidance on how to manage and conserve data, with many customers raising questions about consumption patterns and transparency in billing.

Ugonwa Nwoye, chief customer relations & experience officer, MTN, stated, “We know how essential data is; it’s how we live, work, and connect. From parents streaming classes to small businesses on Zoom, we see your daily realities. That’s why we’re focused not just on providing data but on helping you use it better, with practical tools and tips that put you in control. We hear you, and we’re acting on what you’ve told us today.”

Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, chief marketing officer of MTN Nigeria,  reiterated the importance of continuous engagement: “Today has been about listening, learning, and connecting with you. We’ve heard your complaints, your ideas, and even your personal stories. From parents balancing their children’s needs to businesses working tirelessly online, be assured that we listen, we care, and we do. Your trust means everything to us, and we’re committed to turning today’s conversations into real actions.”

Ikenna-Emeka stressed that MTN Nigeria seeks to reposition itself not only as a telecom operator but also as a listening partner in the everyday lives of its subscribers.

The event also provided a platform for small businesses, young professionals, and digital creators to interact with MTN leaders during Speed Mentorship sessions, where they shared their goals and received guidance on navigating the digital economy, technology adoption, and entrepreneurial strategy.

Visitors engaged with various thematic lounges, including MoMo PSB, MTN’s fintech subsidiary, where tools for financial inclusion were showcased.

Other activities included a digital skills academy, interactive tech demonstrations, and a startup pitch challenge, reflecting MTN’s efforts to align services with evolving customer needs.

 

 

 

 


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Airtel Nigeria Raises Infrastructure Spending to $39m

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Airtel Africa Plc increased its capital expenditure in Nigeria to $39m in the second quarter of 2025, up 1.7 per cent from $38m in the same period last year.

Airtel Nigeria Raises Infrastructure Spending to $39m

According to the company’s financial statement the marginal increase highlights Airtel’s continued investment in its largest and most strategic market, despite a broader slowdown in group-level capital spending this quarter.

The Punch newspaper reported that the increase in capital spending by Airtel comes at a time when telecom subscribers are expecting tangible improvements in service quality, following a 50 per cent tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission earlier this year.

It added that Telcos have begun to show signs of commitment to network upgrades, bolstered by the recent delivery of telecom equipment valued at $1bn.

“In Nigeria, capital expenditure for the quarter ended 30 June 2025 was $39m, compared to $38m in the same period last year,”.

According to the statement, the Group-wide capital expenditure stood at $121m in the three months ended June 30, representing a decline from the previous year, which the company attributed to timing differences in project execution.

However, Airtel maintained its full-year capex guidance at between $725m and $750m, indicating that more spending is anticipated in the coming quarters.

Capital expenditure, or Capex, refers to the funds used by a company to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as network towers, fibre infrastructure, and IT systems.

In Nigeria, the $39m spent during the quarter was likely directed toward expanding and modernising the operator’s mobile and broadband networks, enhancing service coverage and capacity in urban and rural areas.


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History as MTN Nigeria Becomes First to Hit ₦10 Trillion Market Cap @ NGX

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MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first listed company on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) to reach a market capitalization of ₦10 trillion, as its share price closed at ₦480 on Friday, August 1, 2025.

istory as MTN Nigeria Becomes First to Hit ₦10 Trillion Market Cap @ NGX

The telecommunications giant’s shares gained ₦8 or 1.69% during Friday’s trading session, pushing the company’s market value past the ₦10 trillion threshold.

This remarkable achievement comes just two days after MTN Nigeria released its stellar half-year 2025 financial results on Wednesday, which showed exceptional performance across all key metrics.

The timing is not surprising based on what was said in the company’s H1 results, which revealed a dramatic turnaround from losses to profitability.

The telecoms operator reported service revenue growth of 54.6% to ₦2.4 trillion, while EBITDA surged by 119.5% to ₦1.2 trillion with margins expanding significantly to 50.6%.

Most importantly, the company achieved a profit after tax of ₦414.9 billion, marking a stunning recovery from the loss of ₦519.1 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Speaking on the H1 2025 results that have driven investor confidence, Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria, said: “We are excited by the progress made in the first half of 2025, reflecting the successful execution of the strategic priorities we previously communicated to the market.”

Toriola emphasized the company’s strong operational momentum, stating: “Building on the momentum from the first quarter, we delivered strong growth in service revenue for the period under review. This was driven by robust demand for our services, proactive customer value management and price adjustments, mainly in Q2.”

The CEO’s confidence in the company’s trajectory was evident in his commentary about future prospects.

“In light of the strong momentum in our business, we have upgraded our FY 2025 and medium-term guidance and we remain firmly on track to restore our balance sheet to a positive net asset position by the end of Q3,” Toriola declared.

This optimistic outlook, backed by upgraded financial guidance targeting service revenue growth of “at least low-50%” and EBITDA margin of “at least low-50%” for FY 2025, has clearly resonated with investors.

Toriola highlighted improving operating conditions that have supported the company’s performance: “The macroeconomic conditions in Nigeria showed notable improvements in the period under review, including a relatively stable naira, improved foreign exchange (forex) liquidity and easing inflationary pressures.”

He noted that “this backdrop helped to enable our improved business performance and set a more supportive context for increased long-term investments.”

The ₦10 trillion market cap milestone represents extraordinary value creation for shareholders.

 

 

 


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