MTN, Airtel Invest N202.4b, $670m In First Quarter
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that Nigeria’s leading telecom operators, MTN and Airtel, have invested heavily in network infrastructure as part of their commitment to improve service quality and expand digital access across the country.
According to financial results released by the companies, MTN Nigeria spent ₦202.4 billion on capital expenditure (capex) in Q1 2025, representing a 159% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Airtel Nigeria also reported a capex of $670 million for the year ended March 31, 2025, though this was below its forecast due to deferred data centre investments.
Airtel has now set its capex guidance for the next fiscal year at between $725 million and $750 million, underscoring its ongoing investment in future network growth.
Both telcos attribute the intensified investment to a more favourable operating environment, following the 50% tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which took effect in February. They say the price adjustment allows them to reinvest in critical infrastructure to enhance the user experience.
However, subscribers—through bodies such as the Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria) and the National Association of Telecom Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMS)—have raised concerns over deteriorating service quality, particularly after the tariff hike. The NCC has reportedly given telcos a three-month window to demonstrate improvements in service delivery.
NCC CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, confirmed that telecom operators have invested $1 billion so far to upgrade their networks in response to growing demand and regulatory expectations.
MTN Plans ₦800 Billion Investment in 2025
MTN Nigeria revealed plans to invest a total of ₦800 billion in network upgrades this year. Speaking on the developments, Ugonwa Nwoye, Chief Customer and Experience Officer at MTN Nigeria, acknowledged customer frustrations but emphasized that meaningful infrastructure deployment takes time.
“We are investing over ₦800 billion this year alone. This will translate into better customer experience, reduced congestion, faster internet speeds, and wider network reach,” she said.
Nwoye noted that the telco undertook extensive internal cost-efficiency reforms before introducing the tariff adjustments. The changes were rolled out in phases between February and March, with customers receiving advance notices of six to eight weeks. She added that all existing data plans saw increases below the approved 50%, with most remaining under 25%.
The investment will support the upgrade of over 1,000 cell sites and the expansion of more than 2,000 transmission links across the country, targeting improved data speed, fewer dropped calls, and enhanced reach—especially in underserved rural areas.
MTN said these efforts form part of a long-term strategy to significantly enhance network performance, digital access, and customer satisfaction nationwide.
Airtel Doubles Down on Network Expansion
Airtel Nigeria also announced plans to double its capex commitment, signalling a renewed drive to enhance service delivery and support digital inclusion.
According to a company statement, the investment will fund critical infrastructure upgrades, rural coverage expansion, and the rollout of 5G technology, which is being deployed across various sites to deliver ultra-fast data speeds and improved service reliability.
Additional projects include:
Deployment of high-capacity radios at existing sites to meet rising data demands.
Expansion and relocation of fiber optic networks to enhance connectivity.
Establishment of a state-of-the-art data centre to support growing customer needs.
Leveraging the 2Africa subsea cable landing to boost international bandwidth and throughput.
Construction of new shops and service outlets nationwide to improve customer access.
Introduction of cutting-edge devices to support home broadband and mobile data use.
Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, described the expanded investment as a bold step toward empowering Nigerians through connectivity.
“Our decision to double our investment reflects our deep commitment to Nigeria’s future. This is not just about technology; it’s about empowerment and making a positive difference in people’s lives,” he stated.
