…Record Profit Marks a Strong Rebound
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc recorded a landmark ₦750.19 billion profit after tax in the third quarter of 2025, a dramatic turnaround from the ₦514.9 billion loss in the same period last year. The result represents a 245 per cent year-on-year growth, underscoring a robust recovery and operational efficiency.
Following this performance, the Board approved an interim dividend of ₦5 per 2 kobo share, signalling a return to profit distribution after a challenging 2024.
Data and Digital Services Lead Revenue Growth
Total revenue rose 57.4 per cent year-on-year to ₦3.73 trillion from ₦2.37 trillion in 2024. Data services remained the key growth driver, surging 73.2 per cent to ₦1.98 trillion, buoyed by higher usage, subscriber growth, and network expansion.
Data traffic climbed 36.3 per cent, while average usage per subscriber grew 20.8 per cent to 13.2GB monthly, reflecting improved smartphone penetration (65.1%) and continued investments in 4G and 5G capacity.
Voice, Fintech, and Digital Businesses Thrive
Voice revenue rose 41.9 per cent to ₦1.35 trillion, supported by an expanding user base and customer-focused pricing.
Fintech revenue jumped 72.5 per cent to ₦131.6 billion, driven by the success of MoMo (mobile money) and new payment solutions. Active wallets reached 2.9 million in September 2025, boosted by a revamped acquisition strategy.
Digital services also recorded strong growth, up 41.9 per cent to ₦71.19 billion, propelled by rising demand for media and entertainment content.
Expanding Broadband Reach
MTN’s home broadband business added 281,000 new users in Q3, bringing total subscriptions to four million. The company intensified fibre deployments to support its Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network and deliver faster internet to households, reinforcing its mission to bridge Nigeria’s digital divide.
Market Leadership Sustained
According to NCC data (August 2025), MTN remains Nigeria’s leading telecom provider with 89.6 million subscribers and a 52.3 per cent market share, far ahead of Airtel (33.9%), Globacom (12.2%), and 9mobile (1.6%).
This dominance is backed by MTN’s vast rural coverage and continuous investment in network innovation.
Strong Financial Management
Despite operational costs rising 20.2 per cent to ₦1.81 trillion, MTN recorded ₦1.92 trillion EBITDA, a 123 per cent year-on-year increase. Net forex gains grew 106.1 per cent to ₦55.58 billion.
Capital expenditure dropped 8.7 per cent due to lease adjustments, though investments in capacity, site rollout, and data centres continued. The company maintained a ₦742.6 billion free cash flow, reflecting sound capital discipline.
Transitioning into a Tech Company
Under its Ambition 2025 Strategy, MTN is accelerating its evolution from a telecom operator to a Technology Company (TechCo). Key initiatives include:
- Launch of the Dabengwa Data Centre to strengthen Nigeria’s cloud and digital infrastructure.
- Expansion of MoMo and Ayoba platforms.
- Development of new enterprise tech, cybersecurity, and digital marketing solutions.
- Support for startups through the MTN Cloud Accelerator Program, empowering local innovators.
Commitment to Digital Inclusion
MTN Nigeria reaffirmed its pledge to build a digital-first ecosystem that balances profitability, innovation, and social impact. By deepening investments in broadband, fintech, and digital services, the company aims to remain a key driver of Nigeria’s digital transformation and inclusive growth.
