MTN Nigeria faced a difficult 2025, recording a staggering 9,218 incidents of fibre optic cable cuts—an average of more than 25 cuts every single day. The telecommunications leader also reported that 211 of its base stations were hit by vandalism and theft throughout the year, highlighting a growing threat to the country’s digital infrastructure.
According to a detailed “2025 Wrapped” update shared by the CEO of MTN Nigeria, Dr. Karl Toriola, these disruptions had a direct impact on the quality of service for millions of users. The frequent damage, often caused by road construction or deliberate sabotage, led to a surge in customer frustration. In total, the company handled over 1.6 million complaints across its call centers, social media platforms, and walk-in outlets during the 12-month period.
Despite these operational headaches, the year wasn’t without its victories. Reports monitored by Reports show that MTN managed a remarkable financial turnaround, returning to profitability after two years of losses. By September 2025, the company’s subscriber base had grown to 85 million, and it was once again recognized by Ookla as Nigeria’s fastest network. This recovery was strong enough for the board to declare interim dividend payments, a move that was well-received by investors on the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Looking back on the challenges, Dr. Toriola took full responsibility for the customer experience, noting that while there is much to be proud of, there is still significant work ahead. He emphasized that cutting a fibre cable is not just a company problem but a national one, as it cripples the connectivity that businesses and individuals rely on for daily survival.
As the company prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary later this year, the focus remains on building more resilient infrastructure and improving response times. The goal for 2026 is clear: listening more closely to the 85 million people who power the network and ensuring that the progress made in profitability translates into a more stable and seamless experience for every user.
