Telecom
Rufai Urges Buhari to Stop NigComSat Privatisation

Mr. Timasaniyu Ahmed-Rufai, former managing director of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), has asked the new administration of President Mohammadu Buhari to discontinue with the plan by the Federal Government to privatise the company.
In a statement made available in Abuja on Sunday, Ahmed-Rufai said selling the satellite infrastructure to private sector operators would have negative implications on the country’s national security.
He added that it was also wrong for the Federal Government to propose the sale of a satellite that was under a lien since the country had not finished paying the company that constructed the space craft.
Ahmed-Rufai said, “I will like to advise the new government to revisit the intended privatisation of NigComSat. It has huge security implications which will be counterproductive.
“Besides, the country has not finished paying the loan element and thus has no right to sell it. Previous National Security Advisers had advised against the sale of the asset. Government may wish to reserve it for defence and security communications.
“NigComSat C band antenna can be used for missile guidance system. It is a tracking antenna fitted with auto synchronous motor assembly. This is one feature that makes sale security sensitive.”
NigComSat workers recently petitioned the former Minister of Communications Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, over the proposed sale of the company and alleged impending sacking of 150 staff of the organisation.
In the petition, dated May 5, the workers, under the aegis of the National Union of Postal and Telecommunications Employees, said the manner the proposed sale of the satellite company was being rushed at the terminal end of the last administration left much to be desired.
The workers contended that the viability of NigComSat would not have been an issue if the Federal Government had directed government establishments to patronise NigComSat rather than continue to patronise foreign vendors of satellite bandwidth services.
NigComSat-1R was launched into the orbit on December 19, 2011, as a replacement for Nigeria’s first communication satellite, which developed a power problem in orbit on November 8, 2008, and was consequently de-orbited.
Telecom
MTN @ First-ever CED, Pledges to Address Subscribers’ Concerns

MTN Nigeria, has pledged the company’s renewed commitment to transparency and responsiveness in addressing customer concerns.

Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria,
Karl Toriola, chief executive officer, MTN Nigeria, stated this at the telecoms provider its first-ever Customer Engagement Day (CED) in Lagos.
Speaking during the event, Toriola fielded real-time questions from customers, responding to issues ranging from data quality to customer service gaps.
“We’ve invested heavily to build a network that delivers value for money. While data in Nigeria remains among the most affordable globally, our priority is quality and consistency that truly powers ambition. Today is about transparency: answering your questions, listening to your concerns, and showing that MTN is not just a service provider; we are a partner in your journey,” he said.
The company emphasised that the Customer Engagement Day was designed as an open forum for dialogue between MTN executives and customers.
The hybrid event, themed “We See You. We’re With You,” featured sessions on digital literacy, data usage, youth mentorship, and financial inclusion, aimed at improving subscriber experience and usage efficiency.
Ayham Moussa, chief operating officer, MTN Nigeria, in his opening remarks, highlighted the company’s long-standing connection with Nigerians, noting that its operations were built with input from ordinary citizens.
“When MTN began, it was built by people like you: engineers, entrepreneurs, everyday Nigerians. Today, we connect over 80 million people, and our focus remains simple: to stand with you in your hustle, support your ambitions, and make life easier. This journey is about listening, improving daily, and being a shield for homes and businesses across Nigeria,” he said.
A key session on Data Usage and Management offered participants practical guidance on how to manage and conserve data, with many customers raising questions about consumption patterns and transparency in billing.
Ugonwa Nwoye, chief customer relations & experience officer, MTN, stated, “We know how essential data is; it’s how we live, work, and connect. From parents streaming classes to small businesses on Zoom, we see your daily realities. That’s why we’re focused not just on providing data but on helping you use it better, with practical tools and tips that put you in control. We hear you, and we’re acting on what you’ve told us today.”
Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka, chief marketing officer of MTN Nigeria, reiterated the importance of continuous engagement: “Today has been about listening, learning, and connecting with you. We’ve heard your complaints, your ideas, and even your personal stories. From parents balancing their children’s needs to businesses working tirelessly online, be assured that we listen, we care, and we do. Your trust means everything to us, and we’re committed to turning today’s conversations into real actions.”
Ikenna-Emeka stressed that MTN Nigeria seeks to reposition itself not only as a telecom operator but also as a listening partner in the everyday lives of its subscribers.
The event also provided a platform for small businesses, young professionals, and digital creators to interact with MTN leaders during Speed Mentorship sessions, where they shared their goals and received guidance on navigating the digital economy, technology adoption, and entrepreneurial strategy.
Visitors engaged with various thematic lounges, including MoMo PSB, MTN’s fintech subsidiary, where tools for financial inclusion were showcased.
Other activities included a digital skills academy, interactive tech demonstrations, and a startup pitch challenge, reflecting MTN’s efforts to align services with evolving customer needs.
Telecom
Airtel Nigeria Raises Infrastructure Spending to $39m

Airtel Africa Plc increased its capital expenditure in Nigeria to $39m in the second quarter of 2025, up 1.7 per cent from $38m in the same period last year.
According to the company’s financial statement the marginal increase highlights Airtel’s continued investment in its largest and most strategic market, despite a broader slowdown in group-level capital spending this quarter.
The Punch newspaper reported that the increase in capital spending by Airtel comes at a time when telecom subscribers are expecting tangible improvements in service quality, following a 50 per cent tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission earlier this year.
It added that Telcos have begun to show signs of commitment to network upgrades, bolstered by the recent delivery of telecom equipment valued at $1bn.
“In Nigeria, capital expenditure for the quarter ended 30 June 2025 was $39m, compared to $38m in the same period last year,”.
According to the statement, the Group-wide capital expenditure stood at $121m in the three months ended June 30, representing a decline from the previous year, which the company attributed to timing differences in project execution.
However, Airtel maintained its full-year capex guidance at between $725m and $750m, indicating that more spending is anticipated in the coming quarters.
Capital expenditure, or Capex, refers to the funds used by a company to acquire or upgrade physical assets such as network towers, fibre infrastructure, and IT systems.
In Nigeria, the $39m spent during the quarter was likely directed toward expanding and modernising the operator’s mobile and broadband networks, enhancing service coverage and capacity in urban and rural areas.
Telecom
History as MTN Nigeria Becomes First to Hit ₦10 Trillion Market Cap @ NGX

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first listed company on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) to reach a market capitalization of ₦10 trillion, as its share price closed at ₦480 on Friday, August 1, 2025.
The telecommunications giant’s shares gained ₦8 or 1.69% during Friday’s trading session, pushing the company’s market value past the ₦10 trillion threshold.
This remarkable achievement comes just two days after MTN Nigeria released its stellar half-year 2025 financial results on Wednesday, which showed exceptional performance across all key metrics.
The timing is not surprising based on what was said in the company’s H1 results, which revealed a dramatic turnaround from losses to profitability.
The telecoms operator reported service revenue growth of 54.6% to ₦2.4 trillion, while EBITDA surged by 119.5% to ₦1.2 trillion with margins expanding significantly to 50.6%.
Most importantly, the company achieved a profit after tax of ₦414.9 billion, marking a stunning recovery from the loss of ₦519.1 billion recorded in the same period last year.
Speaking on the H1 2025 results that have driven investor confidence, Karl Toriola, CEO, MTN Nigeria, said: “We are excited by the progress made in the first half of 2025, reflecting the successful execution of the strategic priorities we previously communicated to the market.”
Toriola emphasized the company’s strong operational momentum, stating: “Building on the momentum from the first quarter, we delivered strong growth in service revenue for the period under review. This was driven by robust demand for our services, proactive customer value management and price adjustments, mainly in Q2.”
The CEO’s confidence in the company’s trajectory was evident in his commentary about future prospects.
“In light of the strong momentum in our business, we have upgraded our FY 2025 and medium-term guidance and we remain firmly on track to restore our balance sheet to a positive net asset position by the end of Q3,” Toriola declared.
This optimistic outlook, backed by upgraded financial guidance targeting service revenue growth of “at least low-50%” and EBITDA margin of “at least low-50%” for FY 2025, has clearly resonated with investors.
Toriola highlighted improving operating conditions that have supported the company’s performance: “The macroeconomic conditions in Nigeria showed notable improvements in the period under review, including a relatively stable naira, improved foreign exchange (forex) liquidity and easing inflationary pressures.”
He noted that “this backdrop helped to enable our improved business performance and set a more supportive context for increased long-term investments.”
The ₦10 trillion market cap milestone represents extraordinary value creation for shareholders.
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