Telecom Firm Bolsters Transparency With Globally Aligned Sustainability Reporting

MTN Nigeria has strengthened its commitment to transparency and corporate accountability by publishing its 2025 Sustainability Report, which is fully aligned with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) S1 and S2 disclosure requirements.

The report, independently assured by Ernst & Young, represents the telecommunications firm’s seventh consecutive annual sustainability publication and its third year as an early adopter of the global reporting framework ahead of its mandatory implementation.

The latest disclosure positions MTN Nigeria among leading African corporates embracing globally recognised sustainability reporting standards to enhance transparency, governance and investor confidence.

Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Karl Toriola, said strong governance and ethical conduct remain central to the company’s sustainability agenda.

“Strong governance and ethical conduct are foundational to our sustainability strategy. We reinforced compliance through our Conduct Passport Framework and robust internal controls,” Toriola said.

He further noted that the company reached a significant milestone in May 2025 when it became the first telecommunications company in Nigeria to publicly present a sustainability report on the Nigerian Exchange Group platform.

“An important milestone in our commitment to IFRS S1 and S2-aligned disclosure and accountability,” he added.

As part of its broader environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, MTN Nigeria also secured Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) ratings of ‘B-‘ for climate change and ‘C’ for water security.

In line with IFRS S2 requirements, the company disclosed climate-related risks facing its operations, including flooding, heat stress, evolving regulations and the potential impact of future carbon taxes and emissions-related charges. These disclosures were informed by a climate scenario analysis completed in 2024.

The telecom operator has also adopted the eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) digital reporting format, enabling investors, analysts and ESG rating agencies to access and analyse sustainability and governance data more efficiently through automated systems.

The report further revealed that MTN Nigeria conducted comprehensive assessments to evaluate how sustainability issues affect both its operations and wider society, while measuring its economic, environmental and social impacts between 2021 and 2024.

In addition, more than one-third of the company’s largest suppliers by spending have committed to supporting MTN Nigeria’s net-zero emissions ambitions, although these commitments are yet to undergo independent verification.

Industry observers say the adoption of globally aligned reporting standards is expected to improve transparency, strengthen stakeholder trust, and position MTN Nigeria favourably with local and international investors, who are increasingly prioritising ESG performance in their investment decisions.