February 27, (THEWILL) — After a turbulent 2024, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has staged an extraordinary recovery, reporting a pre-tax profit of ₦1.7 trillion for the financial year ended December 31, 2025, one of the most significant turnarounds in Nigeria’s corporate landscape.
The telecom giant rebounded from a loss position in the prior year to deliver a profit after tax of ₦1.11 trillion, underscoring a year defined by operational resilience, improved macroeconomic conditions and disciplined cost management. The performance marks a decisive shift from the foreign exchange pressures and balance sheet strains that weighed heavily on earnings in 2024.
Gross revenue surged to ₦5.2 trillion, representing a year-on-year growth of nearly 55 percent. The expansion was driven largely by robust demand for data services, continued strength in voice revenue and rapid growth in fintech offerings. Data revenue recorded one of the strongest gains, reflecting increased smartphone penetration and rising broadband consumption across MTN’s subscriber base. Fintech services also posted impressive growth as mobile money adoption deepened.
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) climbed to ₦2.74 trillion, more than doubling from the previous year, while margins improved significantly on the back of revenue growth outpacing operating costs. Free cash flow rose sharply to approximately ₦1.2 trillion, strengthening liquidity and restoring investor confidence.
A major contributor to the rebound was the swing from a substantial foreign exchange loss in 2024 to a notable FX gain in 2025, easing pressure on the company’s bottom line. The improved earnings position also restored retained earnings to positive territory and reinforced shareholders’ equity, signalling a healthier balance sheet.
In a move that underscores renewed confidence, the Board proposed a final dividend of ₦15 per share. Combined with the earlier interim dividend, total payout for the 2025 financial year stands at ₦20 per share marking a return to rewarding shareholders after last year’s suspension. The dividend is subject to shareholder approval at the company’s Annual General Meeting, with qualification and payment dates already announced.
Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, described the year as a pivotal moment for the business, highlighting strengthened fundamentals, disciplined execution and the company’s continued investment in network expansion and digital innovation.
The results further solidify MTN Nigeria’s standing on the Nigerian Exchange, where it remains one of the most capitalised and closely watched stocks. With management reaffirming its medium-term growth targets and margin guidance, the company appears poised to sustain momentum into 2026.
After weathering one of the toughest operating environments in its history, MTN Nigeria’s 2025 performance signals not just recovery but renewed strength and strategic stability.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
