MTN Nigeria plans to accelerate investment to connect eight million homes across the country to fibre infrastructure within the next three years.
The commitment was disclosed by the company’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, during the MTN Media Innovation Programme Alumni “Ask Me Anything” session in Lagos.
Okigbo said MTN is already making major capital investments to expand its Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) services, such as FibreX, as the operator positions fixed connectivity for faster growth.
The commitment comes against the backdrop of hurdles being faced in deployment. According to Okigbo, operators must navigate lengthy approval processes, the physical realities of cable installation, and the time required to recover investment costs can slow rollout compared with mobile network expansion.
Nonetheless, he said the company remains committed to widening access to reliable fixed broadband for households.
He said MTN’s fibre expansion is aimed at gradually reducing reliance on mobile data for home connectivity and encouraging more stable fixed broadband use, as telecoms move beyond voice and traditional mobile services.
Okigbo said new technologies such as AI, 5G, smart devices, and rising demand for connected homes are reshaping the sector, warning that telecom firms that fail to adapt may be sidelined as technology companies take greater value through digital services.
Compared to mobile internet pricing, fibre is pitched differently, he added, as fixed users pay for connection speed and quality, rather than data volumes, which he said helps deliver more predictable performance for homes.
Addressing recent tariff increases, Okigbo said adjustments were necessary due to rising operating costs, inflation and sector sustainability pressures, including higher diesel prices.
He argued that pricing should reflect market realities while still ensuring consumers have options, including the ability to switch providers.
On service quality, he said MTN has compensated customers in verified cases of poor performance and is working with regulators to clarify accountability where failures result from operator issues versus external factors like vandalism and infrastructure damage.
MTN Group’s acquisition of a 60% stake in MoMo aims to strengthen mobile money competitiveness, he said, adding that it will also aim to improve customer experience as Nigeria’s digital ecosystem expands toward embedded connectivity, smart homes, connected vehicles and the Internet of Things.
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