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MTN Nigeria Pledges to Implement Group’s Vaccine Mandate, Joins WHO Call for Vaccine Equity

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Following the MTN Group announcement of its intention to implement a vaccine mandate across its operations from January 2022, Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, has voiced support, and confirmed MTN Nigeria’s plan to implement it locally.

“The new policy further demonstrates our steadfast dedication to keeping our people and the communities we work and live in safe and healthy.

“While there may still be some unknowns related to this pandemic, the science is clear – vaccines effectively prevent severe illness, hospitalisation and death.

“It is time for everyone who can, to get vaccinated to limit the spread of the virus and prevent further strains from developing.”

Both the World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control advocate for vaccines – saying that they are an important measure to protect people. The global rollout of vaccinations since 2020 has clearly contributed to the containment and management of the virus in many countries.

In addition, MTN Nigeria, alongside the MTN Group, has added its voice to growing calls for global leaders to accelerate vaccine equity and lift unjust travel bans imposed on African countries.

“The events of the past twenty months have underlined how connected and interdependent we all are.

“Such travel restrictions have proven to be counterproductive, hampering research, aid and economic activity without any significant impact on the spread of new variants.

“If the past is prologue, then the only way through this is together, and it is time to set side geographical divisions and heed calls for greater vaccine equity.

“If Africa had access to vaccines at the same time as the rest of the world, then we might not face the challenge that these new variants represent.” Toriola added.

MTN Group’s new vaccine policy is a measure to meet MTN’s legal obligations in regard to providing a safe workplace and shall be subject to risk assessment and local laws that apply to the MTN Group and its operating companies and subsidiaries.

It also recognises the right of employees to apply to be exempted from the policy and/or refuse vaccination on certain clearly defined grounds.

For those staff who are not exempt from vaccinations either through risk assessment or agreed exclusions but still refuse vaccination, MTN will not be obliged to continue the employment contract.

The new mandatory vaccination policy follows the Group’s US$25million donation to the African Union’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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MTN Nigeria to Issue N50Bn Commercial Paper

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MTN Nigeria has proposed issuing up to N50bn series 11 and 12 commercial paper notes to raise funding for its operations, according to the company’s notice to the Nigerian Exchange Limited.

MTN Nigeria to Issue N50Bn Commercial Paper

The notes issuance is under the company’s N250bn commercial paper issuance programme.

According to the statement signed by Uto Ukpanah, company secretary, the issuance is part of the company’s strategy to diversify its financing options with the funds being deployed towards short-term working capital requirements.

MTN Nigeria recently completed its series 10 commercial paper issuance under its upsized N250b commercial paper issuance programme.

Ukpanah, the telecom giant it sought to raise N72.1bn and the offer recorded 149 per cent subscription with N72.1bn issued.

The 266-day commercial paper was issued on 29 November 2023 at a yield of 16 per cent.

The CP issuance aligns with MTN Nigeria’s strategy of continuing to diversify its funding sources and reduce its average cost of debt. The proceeds will be applied to short-term working capital requirements.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “We are pleased with the support received from the investor community, having recorded a 149 per cent subscription from a broad range of investors. This reflects NTN Nigeria’s robust financial capacity, brand strength, and market leadership amidst the upward pressure on interest rates”

Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited played the role of Arranger and Dealer with ARM Securities Limited. Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Limited, Coronations Marchant Bank Limited, FCMB Capital Markets Limited, Quantum Zenith Capital &Investments Limited, Rand Marchant Bank Limited, and Vetiva Capital Management Limited played the role of Joint Dealers on the transaction.


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How AI Agents can Step in as Consumer Trust Slips

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Salesforce’s latest State of the AI Connected Customer research reveals consumer trust in companies is at a record low and that AI is raising the stakes for brands.

Today, 60% of consumers believe that advances in AI make trust even more important, and with AI agents on the rise, the findings point to real opportunities for companies to win back consumers with trustworthy AI agents this holiday season. This opportunity is greatest with Gen Zers, with almost a third of Gen Z consumers saying they’d be comfortable having an agent shop for them.

Faced with a challenging holiday shopping season and sinking consumer trust, brands can’t afford to get AI wrong—especially as more than $200 billion in global online sales will be influenced by AI this holiday season.

AI agents, or intelligent software that understands and responds to customer inquiries without human intervention, can help companies drive higher margins and keep consumers buying by delivering incredible customer service. From alleviating clunky purchase experiences to difficult return processes, there’s an agent for that. But to build trusted customer relationships, brands need trusted AI agents that are grounded in transparency and the right data.

Consumers trust less, expect more

Consumer trust is at its lowest point in eight years, and advances in AI make earning that trust more critical than ever.

  • Nearly three-quarters (72%) of consumers trust companies less than they did a year ago

  • 65% feel companies are reckless with customer data

It’s not just about trust; consumers also expect best-in-class experiences.

  • 69% of consumers expect consistent interactions across departments

  • Nearly 60% of consumers prefer using fewer touchpoints to get information or complete a task

While better deals are a top driver for consumers to switch to a new brand, customer service experience, convenience, and consistent product or service quality drive more long-term brand loyalty.

  • 43% of consumers say poor customer service experience will stop them from making a repeat purchase from a company or brand

  • More than a third of consumers say that inconvenience, such as a difficult return process or clunky purchase experience, will cause brands to lose them

Younger consumers are most open to AI agents

The research shows Gen Zers and millennials are more willing than older generations to use AI agents to improve their customer experience by creating more personalised, or useful content.

Younger generations, in particular, hold companies to a higher standard when it comes to adapting to and anticipating their needs—43% of Gen Zers and millennials say AI raises the bar for customer experiences compared to just 32% of baby boomers.

Gen Z and millennial consumers are more likely than older generations to consider the benefits provided by agents.

Transparency is key to building consumer confidence in the AI agent era

Despite the promise of young shoppers, many consumers haven’t made up their minds on AI yet. Nearly half of consumers are neutral about AI’s impact on their lives, whether personal or professional.

In fact, many consumers feel a mix of suspicion (44%) and curiosity (41%) about the future of AI —revealing a ripe opportunity for companies to help consumers see and understand the benefits of AI agents.

  • Over a third of consumers would work with an AI agent instead of a person to avoid repeating themselves

  • 30% of consumers—even more among Gen Z and millennials (37%)—would work with an AI agent instead of a person for faster service

  • A quarter of consumers — even more among Gen Z and millennials (roughly one-third)—would share their personal information with an AI agent so it can better anticipate their needs

To build confidence in the agent experience, businesses need to bridge the trust gap through more transparency.

  • Nearly 75% of consumers want to know if they’re communicating with an AI agent

  • 45% are more likely to use an AI agent if there’s a clear escalation path

  • 44% are more likely to use an AI agent if its logic is clearly explained

“Retailers face a much more competitive shopping season this year, as they look to deliver higher margins in the midst of increasing customer demands. AI agents can help brands deliver consistent, personalised experiences for shoppers across every channel – deepening customer loyalty and ultimately driving more sales,” says Linda Saunders, Salesforce Director Solutions Engineering Africa.


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MTN Nigeria Receives Award for Contributions to Media Development

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MTN Nigeria has received a “Media Capacity Development Support Award” for its immense contributions towards the growth and development of media practitioners across Nigeria.

The award was presented by the Media Career Development Network, at its inaugural conference held at the University of Lagos on October 31, 2024.

Held at the Biodun Shobanjo Auditorium Centre for Excellence, the Media Career Development Conference saw the coming together of seasoned media practitioners who shared insights on opportunities for growth and career advancement in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin noted that the conference aligns with the organization’s commitment to promoting media excellence and advancing the careers of media professionals in Nigeria.

Speaking on the award, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo appreciated the Media Career Development Network for the initiative, while also affirming MTN’s commitment to supporting the media.

“On behalf of MTN, I’d like to extend gratitude to the network for the recognition.

“At MTN, we believe in investing in institutions that bring value to the society and this includes the media.

“Journalists and other media professionals play a crucial role in telling authentic stories and shaping the image of our nation globally.

“So we’re committed to helping them gain the requisite skills and exposure needed to thrive in their profession”, he stated.

MTN Nigeria has consistently shown dedication to training world-class media professionals in Nigeria, particularly through its Media Innovation Programme (MIP).

Since 2022, the ICT firm has partnered with Pan-Atlantic University to enable media practitioners across various platforms gain insight into the rapidly evolving media environment.

Convener and Executive Director of the Media Career Development Network, Lekan Otufodunrin acknowledged the impact of the telecommunications giant’s efforts in upskilling Nigerian media professionals.

“The 6-month Media Innovation Programme created by MTN in partnership with Pan-Atlantic University has afforded media practitioners in-depth training on the media space and even the opportunity to gain more insights in South Africa.

“We hope that MTN Nigeria will continue to champion this programme for the development of professionals”, he said.

The Media Capacity Development Support Award joins a long list of awards MTN Nigeria has received for its contributions towards institutions beyond the telecommunications sector and the general society.


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