MTN Nigeria is doubling down on infrastructure investments as it looks to evolve from a traditional mobile service provider into a wholesale network platform for other operators—a strategic shift aimed at unlocking new revenue streams beyond regular customer subscriptions.

The telecom giant, which operates over 24,300 tower sites and an expansive fibre backbone across Nigeria, is leveraging its infrastructure dominance to support other mobile network operators through infrastructure leasing deals. By turning its network into a platform, MTN hopes to generate additional income without incurring the high costs of acquiring new subscribers.

This year’s spending reflects that pivot. In the first half of 2025, MTN’s capital expenditure (excluding leases) surged 288.4% year-on-year to $377.13 million, driven largely by the accelerated rollout of 4G sites and fibre networks across the country. The company also returned to profitability, posting a ₦414.9 billion ($271 million) net profit, a dramatic turnaround from its ₦519.1 billion ($339 million) loss in 2024.

Subscribers are also set to benefit from these investments, with improved internet speeds and more reliable connectivity expected as the network footprint expands.

MTN’s infrastructure ambitions extend to the cloud. In July, the company announced the completion of the first phase of its $235 million Tier 3 data centre, aimed at bolstering its cloud capabilities and serving enterprise customers more efficiently.

In another strategic move, MTN signed a network-sharing agreement with 9mobile, allowing the ailing operator to piggyback on MTN’s infrastructure to sustain its services. The partnership underscores MTN’s broader goal of fostering a more collaborative and competitive telecom landscape, while simultaneously deepening its revenue base.

With its renewed focus on infrastructure, MTN is positioning itself to play a central role in Nigeria’s digital future—while offering shareholders stronger returns and partners more dependable support.