MTN Nigeria posts N1.7tn profit, declares N15 dividend

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has returned to profit after a difficult 2024, reporting N1.7 trillion in pre-tax profit for the year ended December 2025, compared to a N550.3 billion loss the previous year.

The result, filed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited, marks one of the company’s strongest recoveries, helped by improved foreign exchange conditions, strong customer growth, and rising demand for data and fintech services.

The telecom operator also proposed a final dividend of N15 per share. This brings its total dividend for 2025 to N20 per share, rewarding shareholders after the company returned to positive earnings.

Revenue and data drive recovery

MTN Nigeria’s total revenue rose sharply by 54.9% to N5.2 trillion, while service revenue reached N5.17 trillion. Data was the biggest driver, with revenue from internet services climbing 74.5% to N2.78 trillion as more Nigerians used smartphones and consumed more online content.

The company’s subscriber base grew to 87.3 million, while active data users increased to 53.2 million. Fintech services also expanded, with revenue rising nearly 80% and active wallets reaching 3.7 million.

Foreign exchange movements, which hurt the company in 2024, improved in 2025. MTN Nigeria recorded a net foreign exchange gain of N90.3 billion, compared to a loss of over N925 billion the previous year. This shift played a major role in restoring profitability.

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Chief executive officer Karl Toriola described the year as a turning point, noting that the company returned to positive retained earnings and strengthened its financial position.

Shareholders to receive N15 final payout

Following the strong performance, MTN Nigeria’s board proposed a final dividend of N15 per share, which will be paid to eligible shareholders in April 2026.

The company also strengthened its balance sheet, with total assets rising to N5.4 trillion and shareholders’ funds recovering significantly from negative levels in 2024 to N548.7 billion.

MTN Nigeria’s share price closed at N760, giving it a market value of about N16 trillion and making it the most valuable listed company in the country. The stock has gained strongly in recent months, reflecting investor confidence in its recovery and growth outlook.