Telecom
Collaborations Between FG And MTN Critical in Achieving 70% Internet Penetration By 2025 – Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka
Nigeria is poised to achieve a 70 percent internet penetration in urban and rural areas by 2025 as desired by the Federal Government if tactical collaborations between the private sector and the public sector are effectively utilised.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka
This was stated by Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, General Manager for Fixed Broadband at MTN, in a recent interview with Arise TV on broadband connectivity in Africa’s most populous nation.
The Federal Government’s Broadband plan further specified the kind of internet speeds expected for both urban and rural areas; 25mbps and 10mbps respectively.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, noted that MTN Group’s Strategic Ambition 2025 is in close alignment with the Federal Government’s broadband targets. According to her, the technology provider’s intent is to deliver the right level of effective digital solutions to power Africa’s growth.
For Nigeria to achieve its goal of a globally recognised digital economy, Ikenna-Emeka, an internet connectivity expert, believes that the nation will require concerted efforts by the Federal Government, public and private stakeholders to boost broadband penetration. Ikenna-Emeka expresses optimism that with existing and new policies, the country is on the right path.
“When we look back at 2012 when we had just about 6 per cent internet penetration to where we are today, there is a significant improvement. As of the end of May this year, we had about 43.6 percent penetration. That is quite encouraging,” she says.
“A lot of work is still being done by the Federal Government and organisations like MTN to achieve the right levels of broadband penetration. The journey has already started and further collaborations will help us to get better.”
To improve internet connectivity in their locality, more than a dozen African countries have tested or are planning to roll out the 5G network in the next few years.
The next-gen network is predicted to contribute an additional $2.2 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2034. MTN, demonstrating its commitment to providing quality internet access to Nigerians, has laid the groundwork to provide the 5G service in several parts of the country in the coming months.
Enunciating MTN’s role as a driver of quality network across the country, Ikenna-Emeka says “Today, what is most prevalent is the fixed wireless access and that is the technology that is being adopted by all operators globally. That’s what we want to scale and accelerate in our drive to achieve broadband penetration.
“We’re very shortly going to launch the 5G technology. There is also a lot of progress we’ve made in fibre optics which is another prevalent technology. This, along with the 3G, 4G, and 5G networks will provide us with the ability to serve more market segments and more different sectors.”
The internet connectivity specialist further expounds that continued acceleration of internet access and the ability to adapt and expand on new technologies will bolster broadband connectivity that would match Nigeria’s growing population.
On the challenges of expanding internet connectivity in unconnected areas in the country, she says “Recently, we have received some legislation from the Federal Government to improve internet access in the rural or less connected states and that is critical in driving broadband penetration and connectivity.”
“One of the ways we are driving that penetration as a telco is by ensuring that we leverage on our mix of technologies. We currently have access to 3G, 4G, and coming soon, the 5G. And we are going to utilise this mix of technologies to deliver fit-for-purpose connectivity in different areas in Nigeria,” she adds.
Recently, international companies like Meta and Starlink have begun to adopt satellites in providing internet connectivity, and Africa has been encouraged to adopt similar technological measures to boost its developing digital landscape.
Ikenna-Emeka expresses belief that it speaks to the need for increased collaboration to drive penetration.
“It is quite interesting and speaks to the localisation of global trends – global digital transformation initiative. It’s a welcome development because to achieve the levels of penetration that we require, both at urban and rural levels, and to ride on the right levels of partnerships and collaborations, we will be requiring a mix of technologies. We look forward to seeing how that plays out in the future,” she says.
MTN Nigeria recently launched its home broadband services tailored to provide fast and reliable internet access in homes across Nigeria. With the imminent commercial deployment of the 5G network, Nigeria will be hoping to expand its internet penetration and connectivity to achieve its ambition of a near-perfect digital economy in the next three years.
Keystone Bank has brought a motion seeking to be joined as a party to the suit over the ownership and control of Emerging Markets Telecommunication Service (EMTS), which is the holder and operator of 9Mobile Telecommunication licence.
The messy turnaround came as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja resumed hearing in the suit.
At the hearing, Keystone Bank, brought a motion seeking to be joined as a party to the suite, a proposed statement of defence and counter-claim which discloses triable issues and also demonstrates applicant’s interest in the subject of this suit.
The bank in its counter-claim is seeking among other reliefs that the resolution of the 5th defendant passed on December 7, 2023, increasing the share capital of the 6th defendant to counter-claim from N90, 000,000 to N2, 000,000,000 and reducing the 3rd defendant’s percentage stake/interest/shareholding in the 6th defendant to counter-claim to approximately 4.5 percent is null and void.
Abubakar Funtua, the plaintiff, had dragged General Theophilus Danjuma (retd) and his company LH Telecommunication Limited, as well as the other defendants to court over the ownership and control of EMTS trading under the name of 9Mobile.
The other Defendants are Seltrix Limited (sued as the 1st defendant), the Corporate Affairs Commission, CAC, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Hayatu Hassan Hadeija, Teleology Nigerian Limited and one Mohammed Edewor, a Director in Teleology Nigeria Limited.
At the resumed hearing in the case, parties were confronted with a motion by Keystone Bank seeking to be joined as a party to the suit with a statement of defence, counter-claim and allegation of fraud against some parties in the suit No. /ABJ/CS/1971/2024.
The motion states among other things that: “The applicant, Keystone Bank, also intends to present a counter-claim and has prepared a proposed statement of defence and counter-claim which discloses triable and fecund issues and also demonstrates applicant’s interest in the subject of this suit.
“The case of the applicant, is that the resolution passed by the 3rd defendant on May 9, 2023, approving the change of control/ownership of the 5th defendant from the 3rd defendant to the 8th defendant, in violation of the facilities agreements (Deed of Share charge) between the applicant and 3rd defendant, and the orders of the court made on February 20, 2023, in suit No. FHC/L/CS/297/2023 is illegal, null and void.
“The case of the applicant, as set out in the proposed statement of defence and counter-claim, is that the resolution passed by the 3rd defendant on May 9, 2023, approving the change of control/ownership of the 5th defendant from the 3rd defendant to the 8th defendant, in violation of the facilities agreements (Deed of Share charge) between the applicant and 3rd defendant, and the orders of the court made on February 20, 2023, in suit No. FHC/L/CS/297/2023 is illegal, null and void.
“The applicant also asserts in the proposed statement of defence and counter-claim that the resolution of the 5th defendant passed on December 7, 2023, increasing the share capital of the 6th defendant to counterclaim from N90,000,000 to N2,000,000,000 and reducing the 3rd defendant’s percentage stake/interest/shareholding in the 6th defendant to counterclaim to approximately 4.5 perceent is null and void.
“The applicant intends to seek the following reliefs, endorsed on the proposed statement of defence and counter-claim, at the hearing of the case: “A declaration that the 1st defendant to counterclaim is not a shareholder, either directly or indirectly, of the 6th defendant to counterclaim.
MTN Nigeria’s Go Make A Difference (Go MAD) campaign brought its message of innovation and empowerment to Aba, the renowned hub of enterprise, on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
L-R: Joseph Ogbuka, Manager, Go-To-Market, MTN Nigeria; Micheal Chinedum Ogbonna, CEO, Mua Couture; Dr. Precious Uche, CEO, Tonatel Beauty & Spa and MacDaniels Enwemuche, Regional Manager, Sales & Trade Development, MTN Nigeria at the Go MAD regional activation at Sugarland, Luxury City Hotels, Aba on Sunday March 23, 2025.
The event, held at Sugarland, Luxury City Hotel, celebrated local creativity and resilience while encouraging Nigerians to take bold steps toward transforming their communities.
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, Chief Marketing Officer of MTN Nigeria had earlier the inspiration behind the Go M.A.D initiative. “The Go M.A.D. campaign is rooted in the belief that MTN data gives you the power to take on the world, to achieve the extraordinary, and to make a meaningful difference, in your community, your family, and your workplace.”
The campaign has already made stops in cities like Abuja, Enugu, Calabar, Ibadan, and Benin, showcasing changemakers who embody the spirit of progress. In his opening remarks, MacDaniels Enwemuche, Regional Manager, Sales & Trade Development at MTN Nigeria, emphasised the importance of resilience during challenging times. He stated: “MTN is here to remind us that every great achievement starts small. We’re providing a platform for Nigerians to showcase their skills and products, not just locally but globally, removing limitations and amplifying their impact.”
Describing Aba as Nigeria’s “Silicon Valley”, Enwemuche explained the need to activate this campaign in Aba, due to the city’s industrious spirit and alignment with the Go MAD philosophy: “Aba is already making a difference. Every person — doctor, teacher, shoemaker — has a role to play in our ecosystem. Do it well.”
The event featured inspiring stories from local changemakers. Like chessmaster Tunde Onakoya, the campaign’s ambassador, these stories reflected how small steps can lead to global impact. Onakoya rose from humble beginnings to become a Guinness World Record holder for the longest chess marathon. His journey exemplifies the transformative power of determination and digital connectivity.
Local talents also took centre stage in a vibrant showcase. A body painter, tailor, and mechanical engineer demonstrated their crafts live, while fashion designer Prinna Nnanna unveiled an athleisure line sewn overnight and modelled on-site.
The Icons of Impact session highlighted changemakers using MTN data to drive social change. Dr. Precious Uche, CEO of Tonatel Beauty and Spa, shared her mission to redefine beauty standards:
“My business fights bleaching and promotes ‘black is beautiful.’ MTN data has helped me spread this message across Owerri and Aba.”
Fashion entrepreneur Michael Chinedu Ogbonna, CEO of Mua Couture, discussed how digital tools have expanded his reach: “The internet has made the world a global village. I now create clothes for clients in Malaysia, the US, and Canada — all thanks to data.”
Through storytelling, cultural showcases, and real-life examples, the Go MAD Aba activation reminded attendees that even small acts of courage can spark significant change. The campaign continues to celebrate resilience and innovation across Nigeria while empowering communities with digital tools.
With upcoming activations planned for cities like Jos, Lagos, and Kano, MTN remains committed to inspiring Nigerians to make a difference, one bold step at a time.
Ayotunde Coker, chief executive officer of OpenAccess Data Centre has described Open Access fabric, the company’s Africa-led interconnection platform as key driver of a digital economy, offering a range of virtual connectivity services from Open Access Data Centres (OADC) facilities.
Empowered by West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), extensive digital backbone, OAfabric offers enterprises and service providers access to diverse digital ecosystems, supporting user-to-service, user-to-user and site-to-site connectivity.
Coker stated this during a tour of Open Access Data Centre facility in Lagos by some journalists recently.
According to him, “designed as a future-ready foundation, OAfabric unites cloud and local connectivity with OADC’s market-leading colocation solutions, establishing an innovative, scalable African infrastructure platform that addresses both local and global digital transformation demands.
“OA fabric offers a reliable, adaptable interconnection platform to support Africa’s growing digital needs and hybrid infrastructures for local and global providers
“Enabling secure, direct cloud connections, OA fabric supports data sovereignty and fosters local provider growth, OA fabric provides IX peering, virtual interconnection, and tailored IP services for Africa’s digital landscape.
“It’s not about a particular service provider, it’s about everybody. Once you have a network and you are able to route traffic, even if you are not live yet, and you are hoping to come in the future, we are waiting for you to come on board. So, that platform converges everybody.
“With Open Access fabric, everyone is expected to interconnect. You are collaborating with the government. You are collaborating with the banks. We are collaborating with all these guys to interconnect everyone, Microsoft, Google, all the cloud companies connect into it, because we already have the connectivity business”.
He noted that, “Through OA fabric, all the other connectivity providers have access to any content on OA fabric, so SMB, SMEs, MSMEs, who probably doesn’t have a registered business, but on social media, selling clothes and things like that, can have cost effective access to resources on the internet.
Speaking on Metro fiber project which OADC is partnering with WBT, Coker explained that they have covered over 5 million homes in Lagos. “The job of the Internet Service Provider or MNO in the project is to maintain relationship with the residents of that area, make sure that the infrastructure is secured”.
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