MTN Nigeria on Monday said its 25-year journey reflected Nigeria’s transformation from basic connectivity to a thriving digital economy.
The Chief Financial Officer, MTN Nigeria, Modupe Kadri, made this known at the inauguration of the MTN Yello Street Museum in Lagos.
Kadri said the museum was a specially curated exhibition that captured how telecommunications had reshaped communication, business, entertainment and everyday life since the company entered Nigeria in 2001.
He said the museum was not merely about MTN but also about Nigeria and what became possible when technology met human ingenuity.
He noted that in 2001, Nigerians had no WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, 4G, 5G or mobile banking as we currently know them now.
“Behind every old phone was somebody carrying the voice of a loved one.
“Successive technologies created businesses, industries, jobs and new opportunities,’’ he said.
Kadri said Nigerians’ humour, energy, ingenuity and resilience had helped transform technology from a communication tool into an engine of economic and social opportunity.
He urged Nigerians to view the museum as a reminder of how far the country had travelled and imagine what technology could unlock over another 25 years.
The CFO said emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital infrastructure and advanced connectivity could drive a deeper transformation in Nigeria.
Kadri thanked MTN customers, employees, government, regulators, shareholders, partners, suppliers and communities for contributing to its 25-year journey.
He said the museum represented “25 years of memories” and progress, while signalling the beginning of another chapter driven by innovation and possibility.
Meanwhile, MTN executives said the company’s evolution from 2G through 3G and 4G to 5G had expanded access to economic and social opportunities.
Nasir Hayatu, General Manager, Network, Access Planning and Optimisation, said that MTN had supported extensive supply and distribution ecosystems while enabling businesses, improving productivity and contributing to wider economic activity.
Hayatu stressed the need for supportive policies and infrastructure, particularly effective right-of-way regulations, to accelerate broadband deployment and digital inclusion.
He said Nigeria’s ambition to become a technology hub required sustained investment in infrastructure, innovation and policies that enabled technology to reach more Nigerians.
Hayatu also described infrastructure and power challenges as opportunities for innovation, citing network redundancy and alternative power solutions as examples.
On the creative economy, MTN said it remained committed to supporting Nigerian talent across music, video, gaming and other digital platforms.
Aisha Umar Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria, said the company was preparing the second season of its creative platform after lessons from its inaugural edition.
Mumuni said the second season was expected to begin in October, with MTN also pursuing family-friendly and educational content with media partners.
She said MTN was deeply invested in Nigeria’s creative community and continued exploring opportunities across music, video, gaming and emerging digital platforms.
On shareholder value, the Chief Marketing Officer, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka highlighted the company’s share-price growth, dividends and expanding returns to its growing shareholder base.
Ikenna-Emeka said that MTN’s 25-year journey demonstrated how connecting people could unlock opportunities, strengthen businesses and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
