MTN Nigeria Reports N764bn In Taxes, 93% Network Coverage, Impacts 663,300 Lives In 2024

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced the release of its 2024 Sustainability Report, revealing significant contributions to national development and far-reaching social impact.

In the year under review, the telecommunications giant paid N764 billion in taxes and levies, expanded its network coverage to 93 percent of Nigeria’s population, and directly impacted over 663,300 lives through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes.

The report highlights MTN Nigeria’s integrated approach to sustainability, detailing its efforts to align long-term business goals with national priorities and global ESG standards. It marks the company’s sixth consecutive sustainability report and its second using the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and S2), positioning it as a frontrunner in responsible business reporting in Africa.

The chief executive officer of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Karl Toriola, said, “Our 2024 report showcases our commitment to delivering inclusive growth while operating transparently and sustainably. From reducing emissions to empowering women and local businesses, we are creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”

Key highlights from the 2024 report include: N764 billion contributed in taxes and levies, reinforcing MTN’s role in supporting Nigeria’s economic stability and development; 93 percent network coverage, enhancing digital inclusion and access to communications across urban and rural communities; 663,300 lives impacted through CSI initiatives, with N3.5 billion invested in projects spanning education, health, youth empowerment, and community development and 59.6 percent of total procurement spend directed to local suppliers, strengthening domestic economic growth.

Others are 41.4 per cent female representation in the company’s workforce, reflecting strides in gender inclusion and 11 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to the 2021 baseline, demonstrating progress in environmental sustainability.

MTN Nigeria also reported improved ESG ratings: a ‘B-’ rating for Climate Change and ‘C’ for Water Security from CDP, alongside a 3.6 out of 4.0 ESG GPS score from Risk Insights. The company retained its position as the leading telecom provider in Net Promoter Score and achieved a 79 per cent Reputation Index, well above industry benchmarks.

The  chief corporate services and sustainability officer, MTN Nigeria, Tobe Okigbo, reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to embedding ESG principles across operations, adding that, “We believe in doing for tomorrow, today. Our strategy is focused on building resilience, driving innovation, and delivering measurable outcomes that benefit our people and the planet.”

MTN also broke new ground by launching West Africa’s first eco-friendly SIM cards and championing local environmental solutions through the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.

The report adheres to several global and local reporting frameworks, including the GRI Standards, SASB, UN Global Compact Principles, the Nigerian Exchange’s Sustainability Disclosure Guidelines, and the Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance. These alignments further strengthen MTN Nigeria’s position as a benchmark for sustainability and responsible corporate governance in emerging markets.

With these accomplishments, MTN Nigeria reiterates its vision of ensuring every Nigerian enjoys the benefits of a modern connected life—while shaping a more inclusive and sustainable future.