How MTN’s ESG Strategy is Helping Fuel Nigeria’s Development Goals

MTN Nigeria’s 2024 Sustainability Report has provided a compelling case for how businesses can move from profit-centric models to purpose-led impact. As one of Africa’s leading tech companies, MTN’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategy is not only helping the company remain resilient and competitive but also supporting Nigeria’s broader development goals — from economic inclusion to environmental sustainability.

The report, unveiled at an exclusive “Facts Behind the Sustainability Report” session held at the Nigerian Exchange Group House in Lagos on May 8, 2025, revealed that MTN Nigeria paid a staggering ₦764.2 billion in taxes and levies in 2024. This contribution reflects the critical role that large corporations play in shoring up public finances and enabling infrastructural growth.

This fiscal commitment is only one part of MTN’s wider development agenda. The company also spent ₦3.5 billion on Corporate Social Investment initiatives in 2024 alone, directly impacting over 663,300 Nigerians. These efforts span across health, education, youth empowerment, and community development. Programs like the “What Can We Do Together” campaign, the MTN Foundation’s Anti-Substance Abuse Program (ASAP), and its ICT and Business Skills initiatives have reached underserved communities and supported Nigeria’s youth, a critical demographic in Africa’s most populous nation.

Also Read: Beyond Connectivity, MTN Pays ₦764 Billion Tax, Invests N3.5 Billion in CSR

“Beyond connectivity, we see ourselves as a partner in development,” said Tobe Okigbo, MTN’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, during the event. “Every naira we spend on sustainability is an investment in the future of Nigeria.”

On the environmental front, MTN’s sustainability efforts are beginning to show real, measurable outcomes. The company achieved an 11% reduction in its Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to its 2021 baseline. This is in line with the global climate agenda and Nigeria’s commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2060. MTN is also implementing energy-efficient practices across its network infrastructure, including investments in hybrid energy solutions and modernising its facilities for lower energy consumption.

On the social side, MTN Nigeria invested ₦3.5 billion in Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives, directly impacting over 663,300 lives across education, youth empowerment, and health. The company has also been deliberate with its promotion of gender inclusion, with female representation in its workforce rising to 41.4%. More than 59.6% of its annual spend was directed to local suppliers, underscoring its commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These numbers reflect a business deeply invested in the prosperity of its people and communities, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s development aspirations.

In governance, MTN Nigeria’s report is a model of transparency and international best practices. The company is one of the early adopters of the IFRS S1 and S2 standards by ISSB — global frameworks that guide sustainability-related financial disclosures. The 2024 report is the second released under these standards, signalling MTN’s readiness for a future where sustainability reporting is a regulatory requirement and not just a voluntary action.

The event also featured remarks from key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Exchange Group, NGX Regulation Limited— all underscoring MTN’s leadership in fostering a responsible corporate culture.

What sets MTN’s strategy apart is its integrated approach: sustainability is not an add-on, but embedded into operations, governance, and decision-making. The company’s Social, Ethics, and Sustainability Committee (SESCO), led by Abubakar B. Mahmoud SAN, OON, ensures ESG targets are aligned with corporate strategy, monitored consistently, and championed at the highest levels.

MTN’s efforts feed directly into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). As Nigeria continues its journey toward sustainable economic recovery, partnerships between government, regulators, and responsible private sector players like MTN will be crucial.

By setting the pace in sustainability disclosures and delivering real-world impact, MTN Nigeria is proving that ESG isn’t just good ethics — it’s good business, and a viable model for other companies aiming to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development story.

—ENDS—