MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has said it generated N1.0 trillion in service revenue in the first quarter of 2025, a 40.5 per cent increase from the N752.99 billion earned in Q1 2024.

MTN Nigeria said this in a corporate filing with the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Tuesday.

However, the company’s after tax dropped by 134 per cent, falling to N133.7 billion from N392.7 billion in the same period of 2024.

Its total subscriber base grew by 8.2 per cent to 84.1 million, with 3.2 million new additions in Q1 2025.

MTN Nigeria also said the number of its active data users rose by 13 per cent to 50.3 million, following the addition of 2.6 million users.

EBITDA climbed 65.9 per cent to N492.7 billion, while EBITDA margin improved by 7.2 percentage points to 46.6 per cent.

The company recorded free cash flow of N209.9 billion and earnings per share stood at N6.38.

Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO, expressed satisfaction with the Q1 2025 results, citing strong strategic execution and resilient service demand.

He said momentum from Q4 2024 had helped put the firm on track to restore profitability and achieve a positive net asset position.

He added that regulatory approval for price adjustments was essential to sustain investment and maintain service quality.

This approval enabled N202.4 billion in capital expenditure, up 159 per cent, aimed at expanding capacity and enhancing user experience.

Toriola said the 40.5 per cent growth in service revenue underscored strong demand and commercial discipline.

He noted that Q1 results do not yet reflect the full impact of price changes made late in the quarter.

Some federal lawmakers, yesterday, exchanged heated arguments with telecom operators in the country over the roles they are supposed to play to stem the tide of incessant kidnapping and other phone-related crimes in the country.

The lawmakers said the telcos were not doing enough to track kidnappers, despite the number of calls they make to victims’ families demanding ransom.

However, the telcos swifty responded that the lawmakers were mistaking them for security agencies, instead of the telecommunications services providers they were, clarifying that their duties were to provide telecom services to their subscribers and not to catch criminals.

They  however, clarified that where and whenever the security agencies had needed their support or services in information that would lead to locating or arresting kidnappers and other criminals, who perpetrated crimes through mobile phones, they had gladly and freely rendered result-oriented support.

The scene played out at the first day of the two-day colloquium on the Nigerian Communications Act, NCA 2003, at Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja, Lagos, with the theme “22 years after: Reassessing the Nigerian Communications Act –Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria”

Ben Etanabene, member of House of Representatives, representing Okpe, Sapele and Uvwie federal constituency, Delta State, was the first to throw the salvo, wondering why despite all the money and time expended in registering phone lines in the country, kidnappers were still operating freely without telcos tracking them.

“Every part of this country, kidnappers are on the rampage, kidnapping and making demands for ransom. Why are the telecom operators not tracking and helping in arresting them before they wreak havoc?” he queried.

Etanabene, who claimed to have been a victim of kidnappers in the past, queried why the telcos and the NCC couldn’t provide geo-location services that would ensure kidnappers were located and nabbed before they carried out their actions, even when all over the world, technology deployment stemmed same crime.

Corroborating him, Ayodele Festus, another member of House of Representatives, who represents Ile-Oluji in Ondo State, said the telcos should improve their services.

He alleged that the telcos were smiling to the bank at the expense of subscribers, who hardly finish a call without it dropping at least five times.

He alleged that there was an increase in customer dissatisfaction because, according to him, “millions of subscribers are deeply frustrated.”

Also, Mr Moshood Olawale, yet another member representing Lagos Mainland in the House of Representatives, alleged that while it was expected that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the telcos collaborated for the progress of the sector, what appeared to be playing out was connivance, explaining why telecom tariff goes up instead of coming down.

However, in a swift reaction, Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of Association of Licenced Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), punctured the claims of the lawmakers, saying operators were doing a lot to stem phone-related crimes in the country.

Adebayo said: “In the first instance, we are clearly telecom services providers and do not have the mandate to run around arresting criminals.

“Again, kidnappers usually don’t use their own numbers to call families of their kidnapped victims for ransom. Rather, they use the phone of the kidnapped, while moving from one point to another.

“Then, also remember that there is a privacy law, which gives every subscriber right to privacy until there is a lawful reason to intercept their conversations.

“The worst is that the security agencies have not come to ask for geo-location of event and we refused giving it out. At least, there is Law of Lawful Interception, which gives them right in that regard.’’

Also responding, Tobechukwu Okigbo, Corporate Service Executive, MTN Nigeria,  told the lawmakers that in terms of affordability, Nigeria was one of the cheapest country with very low tariff in Africa, meaning that their allegation that Nigerians paid the highest price for telecom services was not based on empirical facts.

He also reminded the lawmakers to consider legislating on telecom infrastructure protection which would nip the cases of theft and incessant fibre cuts and vandalism, in the bud.

On his part, Dr. Aminu Maida,  executive vice chairman of NCC, corrected the impression that the commission was conniving with telcos but stressed the importance of collaboration of the two bodies to deliver quality services to Nigerians.

Credit – Vanguard

The House of Representatives Committee on Communications has commenced process to review the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, with Colloquium in Lagos, theme: ” The Nigerian Communications Act 2003, 22 Years After: Reassessing the Nigerian Communications Act, Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria”.

Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in his opening remarks, said that the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 represents a cornerstone of Nigeria’s telecommunications momentous evolution, and today, we are tasked with evaluating its impact, confronting its challenges, and charting a bold path toward a digitally inclusive and globally competitive Nigeria.

According to him, “when the Nigerian Communications Act was enacted over two decades ago, it heralded a new era for our nation’s telecommunications sector. By dismantling monopolistic barriers and establishing a transparent, independent regulatory framework, the Act empowered the Commission to midwife a sector that has become a bedrock of Nigeria’s economic and social progress.

“The explosion in telecommunications services, its availability and enablement of transformational changes in the Sector, are fruits of this bold legislative initiative by the vibrant Nigerian legislature.

“The numbers speak for themselves: mobile subscriptions have grown from less than 300 thousand in 2001 to over 150 million today. Internet penetration has surged, connecting millions to the digital economy, while the telecommunications sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product has risen to approximately 13.94% as of the 3rd quarter of 2024. Beyond statistics, the Act has enabled transformative innovations, mobile banking, e-commerce, digital communications and digital education—that have redefined how Nigerians live, work, and interact”.

Dr. Maida added that these milestones are a testament to the vision of the Act’s framers, the resilience of industry players, and the trust of Nigerian consumers.

“They reflect the power of collaboration between the legislature, regulator, operators, and stakeholders in building a sector that has become a global model for telecommunications liberalization in emerging markets.

“The global telecommunications industry is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by disruptive technologies such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, the Internet of Things, and blockchain. These advancements promise unprecedented opportunities but also pose complex challenges.

“In Nigeria, while urban centres enjoy robust connectivity, rural and underservedcommunities still grapple with limited access, highlighting the persistent digital divide.

Infrastructure deficits, including inadequate power supply and the high cost of right-of way approvals, are hindering network expansion. Cybersecurity threats loom larger as our reliance on digital platforms grows, with Nigeria recording a significant uptick in cyber-attacks targeting critical sectors.

“Moreover, the economics of the telecommunications industry are under strain. Operators face rising operational costs, exacerbated by inflation, currency volatility, and the need for substantial capital investment to deploy next-generation technologies.

“Consumers, while demanding faster, cheaper, and more reliable services, often face affordability constraints, particularly in low-income communities. These challenges underscore a critical truth: while the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 was visionary for its time, the realities of 2025 require us to re-examine its provisions to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

“This Colloquium, therefore, is both timely and strategic. It offers a rare opportunity to take stock of the Act’s strengths, address its gaps, and reimagine its role in powering Nigeria’s digital future”.

Also speaking at the occasion, HON. Peter Ohiozojeh Akpatason, chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Communications, said that the colloquium aims to among others; – Review the impact of the Nigerian Communication Act 2003 on our telecommunications sector.

– Identify challenges and opportunities arising from technological advancements and changing market dynamics.

– Discuss future directions for a Digital Nigeria, leveraging insights from industry experts and stakeholders.

He stated that it will explore key areas, such as: – Regulatory frameworks and their impact on competition and innovation.

– Emerging technologies and their potential applications in Nigeria.

– Digital inclusion and access to telecommunications services.

– Cybersecurity and data protection in the digital age.

“This event will provide a platform for stakeholders to share experiences, insights, and recommendations, with a view to: – Identifying areas for improvement in the Act.

– Develop strategies for promoting digital growth and innovation.

– Foster collaboration among industry stakeholders.

“As such, we must, consider strategies to bridge this divide, including infrastructure development and affordable access initiatives.

“Also, the sector faces increasing cybersecurity threats, which require robust measures to protect citizens and businesses.

“Therefore, we have to consider strengthening our cybersecurity frameworks, enhancing incident response capabilities, and promoting international cooperation to combat cyber threats.

“The Act’s regulatory framework has to be strengthened to promote innovation, competition, and investment. We therefore have to consider revising the Act to address emerging issues, such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, and to ensure that our regulatory framework is flexible and adaptable to changing market conditions.

“We must consider strategies to promote digital entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment, including tax incentives, funding opportunities, and skills development programs. The new Act has to encourage measures for promoting innovation, including research and development initiatives, innovation hubs, and partnerships with international organizations,” he stated.