The meeting, held in Wednesday, brought together senior executives from both organisations to discuss the future of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, infrastructure development, service quality, and emerging opportunities within the country’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

The Executive Management and Staff of ntel include Afolabi Oladunjoye, Ikechi Jim Nnah, George Ifeonyemetalu, Chinedu Anochirionye, Ariyike Akinbobola LL.B, Nasirudeen Babalola, who were received by the hairman of the NCC, in a meeting centered on innovation, industry growth, and the future of connectivity in Nigeria.

Also present were the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Abraham Oshadami; the Board Secretary, GT Mohammed; alongside members of the Commission’s management and staff.

Discussions during the engagement focused on strengthening industry collaboration, expanding broadband access, improving connectivity infrastructure, and driving innovation capable of supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation ambitions.

Speaking during the meeting, Olorunnimbe emphasised the importance of sustained investment, service quality, and innovation in delivering value to Nigerian consumers.

He encouraged ntel to continue positioning itself as a strong Nigerian player within the highly competitive telecommunications sector.

“The opportunity ahead is significant for operators committed to quality, innovation, and long-term value creation,” he said, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to supporting operators while strengthening the broader telecommunications ecosystem.

The NCC chairman also acknowledged ntel’s ongoing investments and new initiatives aimed at expanding broadband connectivity and enhancing digital access across the country.

For ntel, the visit provided an opportunity to deepen engagement with the regulator while reaffirming its commitment to delivering transformative digital infrastructure and innovative connectivity solutions for businesses, institutions, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and communities across Nigeria.

The company said discussions also highlighted the growing demand for reliable broadband services and the importance of introducing innovative products capable of expanding digital inclusion and supporting economic growth.

The engagement comes shortly after ntel announced the deployment of NOVA (Tarana), its next-generation Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) initiative designed to improve access to high-speed wireless connectivity nationwide.

According to the company, the project is expected to strengthen ntel’s role as a digital infrastructure provider by enabling partner ISPs, enterprises, and organisations to deliver broadband services using its network infrastructure.

Both parties expressed optimism about continued collaboration toward building a more connected and digitally empowered Nigeria.

Speaking on the Technology Times Thought Leadership Series on Friday in Lagos, the ntel boss outlined a comprehensive vision that positions the once-dormant national carrier for a digital comeback driven by innovation, youth inclusion, and strategic industry collaboration.

Maurice-Diya, who assumed office as ntel’s CEO earlier in 2025, spoke extensively on Nigeria’s telecoms evolution, regulatory direction, infrastructure gaps, and ntel’s plans to re-emerge in the market by the first quarter of 2026.

He emphasised the importance of building on Nigeria’s 25-year telecoms legacy through renewed innovation, policy synergy, and deeper localisation of content and infrastructure.

A quarter-century of transformation

Reflecting on Nigeria’s telecommunications journey, Maurice-Diya noted that the sector has matured into one of the country’s most resilient economic pillars.

“Most of us are aware that the telecoms industry in Nigeria, as we know it today, started almost 25 years ago,” he said. “It has witnessed significant and impactful growth, particularly in supporting Nigeria’s broader commercial ecosystem.”

He credited the major operators, MTN, Airtel, and Glo, for demonstrating long-term commitment that brought relative market stability after the turbulent early years of deregulation.

The industry, he explained, has evolved from a high-entry, volatile market into a more predictable ecosystem that contributes substantially to Nigeria’s GDP.

This maturity, he added, presents both opportunities and responsibilities. “If you recall, in the early years there were several players, some started, some stopped, but now there’s a bit more stability,” he observed.

Policy alignment and financial-sector synergy

Maurice-Diya commended ongoing government efforts to improve investment conditions through tariff relief and policy innovation, crediting the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, for introducing reforms that increased industry capacity.

He called for greater collaboration between the telecoms and financial sectors, predicting that future growth will depend on this convergence.

“There needs to be more synergy between the communications ecosystem and the financial sector,” he explained. “Telcos have to be able to play more than just a communication or connectivity role and become a digital platform that can enable and unlock a lot of additional opportunities.”

According to the ntel CEO, Nigeria’s next wave of telecoms transformation will hinge on this cross-sector partnership, which can foster a robust digital economy spanning fintech, health-tech, and ed-tech.

Tackling persistent challenges with innovation

Addressing Nigeria’s connectivity challenges, Maurice-Diya pointed to the Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) Act, which now protects telecoms assets against vandalism and sabotage, as a milestone.

He said complementary measures, such as dynamic pricing, tax incentives, and green-energy adoption, will deepen sector resilience.

He cited the Federal Government’s ongoing investments in 7,000 new rural telecoms towers and the 90,000-kilometre national fibre-optic project as crucial steps toward bridging Nigeria’s connectivity divide.

“We at ntel will play a role not only by supporting the ecosystem but also by creating interesting products that will broaden and deepen connectivity,” he said.

These government-led infrastructure projects, he noted, provide fertile ground for telcos like ntel to re-enter the market with innovative, targeted services.

Balancing innovation and regulation

Maurice-Diya urged Nigerian regulators to maintain a delicate balance between oversight and innovation.

“A lot of times regulation comes on the back of innovation,” he said. “You’ve got to innovate first and people test boundaries, especially where there’s ambiguity. When you over-regulate, you stifle innovation.”

He advised government agencies to monitor emerging technologies closely, intervening only when necessary to curb excesses, rather than imposing pre-emptive restrictions that deter progress.

This approach, he argued, would sustain Nigeria’s competitiveness in new digital frontiers such as cryptocurrency, blockchain, and fintech, where early innovation followed by responsive regulation has proven globally effective.

Positioning Nigeria in global telecoms trends

On global trends such as spectrum liberalisation, infrastructure sharing, and 5G deployment, Maurice-Diya said Nigeria’s large population and market size give it a strategic edge.

“Needless to say, Nigeria has one of the world’s six or seven largest populations. One in five black people is Nigerian,” he noted.

He explained that infrastructure and cost-sharing initiatives would reduce service costs and free capital for reinvestment in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

By expanding these digital foundations, Nigeria could extend telecoms innovation into adjacent sectors, such as healthcare, education, and logistics, creating multi-industry impact.

“All of those innovations have an immediate effect on the economies of business,” he said. “They lay the foundation where additional returns can be deployed into emerging technologies.”

Building local content and indigenous capacity Maurice-Diya stressed that Nigeria’s long-term telecom sustainability depends on localisation, of technology, infrastructure, and human capacity.

“A lot of times we confuse indigenous ownership with promoting local content,” he observed. “The sustainability of the industry is predicated on the ability to localise as much as possible.”

He traced Nigeria’s early reliance on expatriate expertise to build its telecoms ecosystem but argued that the next phase must prioritise home-grown capacity and technology.

He lauded initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which aims to build a skilled digital workforce, as instrumental to achieving this goal.

Maurice-Diya called for continued government support that encourages innovation without imposing protectionist limits on foreign participation.

“Each aspect of the value chain can be evaluated,” he said, “and where there’s a need based on innovation, the government can step in and promote localisation intelligently.”

Attracting long-term investment

On financing and capital inflow, the ntel CEO said global investors will continue to back Nigeria’s telecoms sector if they see long-term value, policy stability, and reliable exit mechanisms.

“Investors are savvy and unemotional about their investments. Wherever they see long-term value, they will deploy capital,” he said.

He highlighted recent fiscal and foreign-exchange reforms that have boosted investor confidence but recommended further tax incentives tied to long-term commitments.

Maurice-Diya also urged a friendlier revenue-sharing formula between the telecoms industry and other sectors benefiting from digital transformation, noting that such alignment would accelerate growth and capital retention.

ntel’s comeback strategy: innovation and niche focus Turning to ntel’s own revival, Maurice-Diya described the brand’s legacy as both an advantage and a responsibility.

“As many might know, ntel was the legacy carrier, NITEL, that transformed into its current form in 2015. It made a decent run at penetrating the market but had to pause,” he explained.

He confirmed ntel’s planned market re-entry in the first quarter of 2026, describing it as a “light digital play” centred on innovation and targeted engagement.

While withholding product specifics, he said ntel’s new strategy focuses on creating “very niche products that meet the needs of a teeming and young population.”

“We think there’s a lot of innovation yet to happen in this space,” he stated. “We don’t intend to compete for 100 million subscribers. We want to serve a small subset extremely well.”

This focused model, he added, reflects ntel’s confidence in Nigeria’s fast-growing youth market and its readiness to challenge incumbents through creativity rather than scale.

Youth inclusion and digital engagement

Nigeria’s demographic reality, millions of young citizens entering adulthood each year, forms a key pillar of ntel’s growth plan.

“Between three and four million Nigerians turn 18 every year,” Maurice-Diya noted. “We think that’s an opportunity where there aren’t as many incumbents in their minds. If we can tap into that, we can deepen our penetration and grow with them.”

He said ntel aims to engage youth through digital-first services that resonate with their lifestyles and aspirations, building loyalty and inclusion in the process.

Legacy, infrastructure, and future impact

Looking ahead, Maurice-Diya envisioned ntel as both a digital innovator and an infrastructure partner in Nigeria’s telecoms ecosystem.

“Our legacy is that in 10, 15, 20 years we will have provided services that truly differentiate us and made an impact,” he said.

He disclosed that ntel plans to leverage its existing legacy infrastructure to support industry-wide capacity-sharing while also investing in digital platforms that deliver new customer experiences.

Maurice-Diya said the company’s twin focus, modernising legacy assets and pioneering digital offerings, will ensure it contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s connectivity goals.

A call for fair competition and market liberalisation On the policy environment, Maurice-Diya reiterated the need for a level playing field across the industry.

“The ecosystem has to see that there aren’t any preferential treatments being handed out to different players,” he said.

He commended Nigeria’s continued economic liberalisation and open-market orientation, noting that fair competition encourages innovation and invites new entrants that expand consumer choice.

“We have players that are quite dominant,” he observed. “There’s nothing wrong with how they’ve gotten there, but the market is big enough to sustain a multiplicity of players, and we hope to play that role.”

The broader digital future Maurice-Diya underscored that ntel’s return aligns with a broader national vision to drive digital inclusion and economic diversification through technology.

He said the company’s re-entry strategy mirrors Nigeria’s ambition to deepen broadband penetration, unlock rural connectivity, and strengthen indigenous innovation capacity.

“We owe it to ourselves to give it another shot,” he remarked. “Our goal is to implant ntel into the hearts and minds of Nigerians by creating important but overlooked solutions within the industry.”

He expressed optimism that the telecoms industry will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s economy for decades to come.

“We think there are opportunities for us to contribute and make not just a direct impact in the lives of our subscribers, but also generate additional innovation in the broader ecosystem,” he said.

The investment, facilitated by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), is expected to finance ntel’s planned relaunch in the first quarter of 2026.

This development comes as ntel continues its recovery from years of financial collapse and management changes. Though AMCON has not disclosed the size or source of the latest capital injection, the agency is working to rebuild the company before transferring ownership to private investors.

AMCON, which holds a 55% controlling stake, took full management control of ntel in 2024 following the operator’s bankruptcy. Since then, it has overseen a series of interventions aimed at reviving the brand once built to replace the defunct NITEL and MTel. 

In August 2025, AMCON was reported to have injected N30.72 billion into ntel’s revival, a figure that now appears to be part of a bigger, phased plan.

Despite President Bola Tinubu’s earlier directive that ntel should be sold “even for scrap” if necessary, AMCON insists the company must first achieve operational stability to attract credible investors. “We need to put the house in order before we hand it over,” a person close to the process told reporters.

To drive the turnaround, AMCON restructured ntel’s leadership in May, appointing Soji Maurice-Diya, former chief executive officer of American Tower Nigeria, to replace Adrian Wood, the ex-MTN Nigeria boss who had earlier championed a $550 million fundraising effort. 

Under the new management, ntel is expected to operate on a hybrid model, combining its own network assets with mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) capabilities.

The company retains significant national infrastructure, including more than 3,500 kilometres of fibre-optic cable and over 600 base stations across key cities, positioning it well for both retail and wholesale telecom services.

While full operations are yet to resume, ntel has begun rebuilding its workforce. Recruitment adverts for roles such as Regional Admin Coordinator, Financial Planning Assistant Manager, and Front Desk Officer have surfaced in recent weeks, signalling internal preparations for commercial relaunch.

In the meantime, AMCON is generating revenue by leasing parts of ntel’s spectrum to MTN Nigeria, an arrangement that allows MTN to use ntel’s frequencies in select states.

If the ongoing recovery stays on course, ntel could become the first state-rescued telecom operator in Nigeria to successfully return to the market.

Effective October 1, 2025, MTN Nigeria will lease 5MHz FDD in the 900MHz band and 15MHz FDD in the 1800MHz band from T2 Mobile for a period of three years.

The lease is a key enabler for MTN’s national roaming agreement with T2 Mobile, allowing the telco to manage increased network traffic from T2’s customers on MTN’s infrastructure.

Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, commented:

“This milestone aligns with our Ambition 2025 strategy and reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality connectivity to Nigerians. Leveraging additional spectrum resources helps us expand capacity in a cost-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.”

The telco also confirmed that it will not renew its one-year lease agreement with Natcom Development and Investment Ltd (Ntel), which covers spectrum across 17 states. This agreement will expire on November 29, 2025.

MTN Nigeria says this new arrangement underscores its dedication to industry collaboration, infrastructure sharing, and advancing digital inclusion nationwide.

The company recently signed a national roaming deal with T2 Mobile and continues onboarding Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) to deepen competition and accelerate broadband penetration.

MTN Nigeria remains one of Africa’s largest telecom operators, connecting more than 84 million subscribers across Nigeria.

The company reiterated its focus on investing in infrastructure and partnerships that will support the country’s digital transformation and inclusive economic growth.

The most recent NCC statistics revealed that Nigeria had 219 million active mobile subscribers as of mid-2024, with teledensity hitting 101.4%.

It’s no surprise that mobile data usage is rising meteorically, led by 4G and 5G rollouts. But then, even with these statistics, the leadership of CEOs is what will truly determine whether companies thrive or stumble.

As Africa’s telecom market is projected to reach $66.61 billion by 2025, these CEOs face a common threat: tariff review.

The need to review telecoms tariffs has been trending for quite a long time but became more pronounced since President Bola Tinubu moved to Aso Rock in May 2023. 

The reasons are obvious. As Nigeria moves to deepen its digital economy, the need for telecom operators to upgrade their network infrastructure to deliver more data capacity, cannot be over-emphasized. This is key to a sustainable future. 

For close to 12 years, telecom tariffs have remained static despite the dramatic increase in operating expenses, which have surged by over 300% in the last 18 to 24 months alone. 

We suspect that NCC’s hands might be tied in the sense that President Tinubu’s government might not want an ‘immediate upward review of telecom tariffs due to the backlashes from the famous fuel subsidy removal and the electricity tariff increase – including the ‘Band A-D’ discriminatory service provisioning arrangement. 2025 is also crucial for Nigeria’s economy in terms of development and growth. 2026 is a political year preceding the election year – 2027.

But truth be told, Nigeria’s economy will even sink further if telcos pull the plug. 

The President must summon the courage to surmount the pressure to suffocate the telecommunications industry.

It has become essential to realign telecom service pricing structure with economic realities!

Nigeria has ushered in the high-speed 5G era for AI, Cloud computing, Data science applications, and Blockchain era. Nevertheless, more investments are required towards building a more resilient network such that the operators can meet the regulator’s KPIs.

All of these require significant investments which are sourced from the international markets at costs denominated in US Dollars.

In the past three to four years, for instance, the dollar has gone from exchanging for about N500 to over N1,600.

The challenges continue: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has just authorised the telcos to disconnect nine banks from their USSD platform. Why? These banks have been accused of not paying for services rendered to them by the telcos to the tune of over N200 billion naira.

For the tower companies; a very crucial segment of the market, they are daily faced with issues around fibre cuts, vandalism, inflation and others.

All eyes are on these CEOs. How will the operators continue providing high-quality services and meeting the growing demand for digital connectivity, should the government play down the issue of upward reviews of the tariffs? Tough question, right?

So, Techeconomy presents top 10 telecom CEOs to watch in 2025:

1. Karl Toriola – MTN Nigeria

Under Dr. Karl Toriola’s leadership, MTN has been at the fore of big projects, including the construction of the largest data centre in West Africa and the rollout of 5G services. These initiatives are set to boost the company’s work further in 2025.

The move of MTN into a technology company (Techco) highlights Toriola’s vision for the future, where digital infrastructure and financial inclusion are central to the nation’s economic development. 

His leadership has also led to a focus on affordability, addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians in accessing digital services due to the high cost of connectivity. 

Added to these, Toriola’s recognition as a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering in March 2024 speaks volumes about his standing in the industry. This accolade, alongside the launch of a $50 million education initiative aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s STEM education, further shows his focus on societal advancement. 

Karl Toriola, the CEO of MTN Nigeria, was recognized last year when Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) awarded him an honorary doctorate during the university’s 48th Convocation Ceremony. 

This honor, conferred on Toriola alongside other distinguished individuals, reiterated his huge impact on Nigeria’s telecommunications and technological sector. 

Toriola’s efforts to create a more inclusive digital economy, combined with his long-standing career in telecoms, have placed him among the top telecom CEOs to watch in 2025.

2. Dinesh Balsingh – Airtel Nigeria

Dinesh Balsingh was appointed CEO of Airtel Nigeria, has already made a huge impact in his short tenure since taking the reins in November 2024. Having previously served as the CEO of Airtel Tanzania, Balsingh brought a wealth of experience and strategic insight to Airtel Nigeria. 

His leadership has already garnered recognition, with the company winning two awards at the Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards (LaPRIGA) for its environmental initiatives and internal communication excellence. These early successes tell us about Balsingh’s goal of corporate social responsibility and building a strong internal culture within Airtel Nigeria.

Balsingh’s vision for Airtel Nigeria focuses on expanding digital inclusivity and ensuring sustainable growth. He has emphasized the importance of delivering quality services while overcoming the challenges of high costs of operations. His leadership is seen in his approach to tariff adjustments, where he has advocated for necessary price increases to maintain the long-term sustainability of the telecom sector. 

Even with a prospective impact on consumers, Balsingh has promised that these adjustments will be implemented gradually, ensuring that the burden on customers remains manageable while the company continues to invest in infrastructure and service quality.

With a career spanning over two decades, Balsingh’s experience in telecoms and his knowledge of the Nigerian market placed him as a strong leader for Airtel Nigeria in 2025. His past roles, including Chief Commercial Officer and Marketing Director at Airtel Nigeria, provide him with the operational expertise needed to scale through the complexities of the Nigerian telecom market. 

Balsingh’s leadership is expected to drive growth, particularly as Airtel Nigeria focuses on expanding its network and enhancing digital services for underserved areas.

He has also been a vocal advocate for Nigeria’s digital transformation, and his strategic vision aligns with the government’s agenda to ensure economic growth through digital services. He recognizes the increasing demand for digital connectivity across various sectors, such as education, banking, and healthcare, and has committed to strengthening Airtel’s network to meet these needs. 

His leadership style, focused on long-term growth and customer-centric initiatives, will likely position Airtel Nigeria as one of the leading telecom operators in the country in 2025.

3. Ahmad Farroukh – Globacom

Ahmad Farroukh, recently appointed as the CEO of Globacom, has over three decades of experience in the telecommunications industry, Farroukh’s leadership aims to lead Globacom through a critical phase of restructuring and growth. 

His career began in 1995 with Investcom Group, which was later acquired by MTN. Since then, he has held numerous senior leadership roles, including managing director of MTN Ghana, CEO of MTN Nigeria, CEO of MTN South Africa, and Group CEO at Smile Communications Nigeria Limited.

Farroukh has a great record across various telecom markets in Africa and the Middle East, emphasizing his capability to handle high-pressure environments. In 2024, his appointment came as Globacom faced some challenges, including a 69.2% reduction in its subscriber base, attributed to discrepancies uncovered in a regulatory audit. Farroukh is tasked with restoring subscriber confidence and also implementing strategic reforms to improve governance and operational efficiency.

Globacom has faced high competition in the Nigerian telecom sector, and Farroukh’s experience in turning around struggling telecom companies will help in overcoming these challenges. His tenure at Mobily in Saudi Arabia saw him successfully resolve a nearly $1 billion revenue overstatement issue and renegotiate a $4 billion debt. 

His expertise in operational efficiency and restructuring will be needed to revitalize Globacom’s place in the market. 

Furthermore, his discipline in transparency and governance aligns well with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s push for more solid industry standards, making Farroukh’s leadership an essential factor in Globacom’s recovery and growth in the new year. 

He is expected to entrench the culture of corporate governance at Globacom. Can he?

4. Obafemi Banigbe – 9mobile

Obafemi Banigbe’s appointment as CEO of 9mobile in July 2024 has generated anticipation within the Nigerian telecom industry. Banigbe brings with him an extensive background in telecom operations and business strategy across Africa and the United States. 

His career spans influential roles at companies like Celtel (now Airtel), Ericsson, and Millicom, where he shaped operational strategies in Ghana, Tanzania, and several other markets.

In 2024, Banigbe’s leadership is focused on leading 9mobile through its business transformation phase. He is expected to leverage his experience in the telecom, media, and technology sectors to enhance 9mobile’s competitive edge in Nigeria’s highly competitive telecom landscape. 

Banigbe’s appointment aims to enhance customer experience, network quality, and long-term strategic planning to meet the evolving needs of Nigerian telecom consumers.

Banigbe’s vision for 9mobile involves solidifying the company’s presence in Nigeria by building on its existing foundation while exploring new opportunities for growth. He emphasized in his statement that he aims to create value that would transform the Nigerian telecom sector. 

Banigbe’s expertise, particularly his advisory roles with Telecel Group and Nsano Group, places him well to guide 9mobile through its transformation, ensuring it remains a top player in the market. 

His academic credentials, including an MBA from Manchester Business School, complement his professional experience, making him one of the most capable leaders to watch in 2025.

9mobile seeks to enhance itself under Banigbe’s leadership, and the company is expected to introduce innovative solutions and strengthen its place within the competitive telecom market in Nigeria. 

Banigbe’s experience in network support, operations, and strategic planning will be required as he drives the company toward delivering superior customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

From Techeconomy’s estimation, 9mobile requires trillions of naira investment to revitalize its operations and rejig the infrastructure. Can Mr. Banigbe convince the investors? Is 2025 the year of 9mobile? Time shall tell.

5. Adrian Wood – ntel

Adrian Wood’s return to the Nigerian telecoms sector as the CEO of ntel aims to help the company rebrand and compete at a higher level within the market. Having previously served as the CEO of MTN Nigeria, Wood’s wealth of experience positions him to drive significant changes at ntel. 

After taking the role in January 2024, Wood set out with a mission to raise between $500 million and $550 million to restructure the company and expand its network.

In 2024, Wood immediately set to work by engaging with stakeholders, including the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), which took over ntel’s management. His strategy involved introducing new products and services that had not yet existed in Nigeria’s telecom space. Through meetings with potential investors such as African Capital Alliance, Wood demonstrated his commitment to attracting the capital needed for a major network overhaul. 

His vision includes rolling out a 4G/5G network across Nigeria, a move that will reposition ntel in a competitive market and also provide much-needed infrastructure to enhance the country’s digital sector.

In a letter to ntel staff, Wood outlined his long-term plans, including the launch of a new, innovative brand and service combinations that are fresh to the Nigerian market. 

In focusing on high-impact initiatives and establishing partnerships with top companies, Wood is laying the foundation for ntel’s scale-up into a top telecoms player, making him one of the most closely watched CEOs in the industry as he works to secure funding and overcome the challenges of the telecom market.

Can Mr. Wood pull ntel out of the woods?

6. Kendall Ananyi – Tizeti

Kendall Ananyi’s leadership of Tizeti pushed the company to new achievements in 2024, placing him as a top-tier telecom CEO to watch in 2025. Tizeti, known for its solar-powered, unlimited internet services, did great when with the launch of its FreeFiber broadband service across Nigeria and Ghana. 

This new service aims to continuously bolster internet speed and accessibility, with speeds of over 1Gbps—far surpassing the regional average of 28Mbps.

Tizeti’s expansion into new markets, particularly in Francophone West Africa, shows how focused Ananyi is on growth. In addition to enhancing service delivery in Nigeria, the company extended its reach into Côte d’Ivoire and other regions, addressing digital disparities across the continent. 

Under his guidance, Tizeti celebrated its fifth consecutive year of profitability in 2024, making a strong financial performance that allowed the company to distribute its third annual dividend to shareholders.

Ananyi’s vision for Tizeti isn’t just offering high-speed internet; he aims to bridge the digital divide by providing affordable and reliable internet to millions of Africans. The introduction of hyper-mega speeds of up to 1Gbps, combined with the company’s focus on solar-powered infrastructure, makes Tizeti a top company promoting digital inclusion. 

Ananyi’s leadership also includes advocacy for regional expansion, where he emphasized the importance of operating across multiple African countries to reduce currency risks and ensure financial stability. 

His support for education, particularly his scholarship awards to engineering students in 2023, reveals his desire to build future talent in the tech and telecom sectors. 

Is this the year Tizeti will challenge the big four, especially in the data space?

7. Abhulime Ehiagwina – Smile Communications

In 2024, Abhulime Ehiagwina, appointed as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Smile Communications Nigeria, came in with a wealth of experience and strategic leadership. A seasoned financial expert, Ehiagwina has led finance teams in various industries, including telecommunications, infrastructure, oil and gas, and conglomerates. 

One of his achievements in 2024 was his leadership in financial management. His ability to implement effective working capital management strategies for telecommunications companies placed Smile Communications for enhanced financial performance and operational efficiency. Ehiagwina’s record also includes overseeing the issuance of a $250 million Eurobond for Helios Towers Nigeria, which was the first non-bank/Oil & Gas Eurobond issuance in Nigeria. 

Ehiagwina’s work in corporate governance was acknowledged when he was named IT & Telecom CFO of the Year at the Nigeria CFO Awards, revealing his place as one of the most influential leaders in the telecommunications sector.

Under his guidance, Smile Communications focused on repositioning its operations to improve service delivery, enhancing its reputation and strengthening its operations in the Nigerian market. Ehiagwina’s leadership, along with the appointment of Mann El Amine as the Group Managing Director, aims to help Smile Communications expand its footprint and improve its service offerings.

Before his current role, he held senior positions at NATCOM (NTEL), Helios Towers Nigeria, Etisalat Nigeria, and other telecom companies. His expertise in corporate restructuring, operational improvement, and organizational renewal makes him one of the top telecom CEOs to watch in 2025.

8. Sam Darwish – IHS

Sam Darwish, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of IHS, continued to drive IHS’s growth and positioned the company as a top player in the global telecom infrastructure market. 

In December 2024, IHS raised $1.2 billion through a bond offering to expand its telecom network across Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. This funding, which included a $100 million commitment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), will refinance existing debt and also boost IHS’s growth initiatives.

IHS’s focus on sustainability was well obvious in its 2024 achievements, particularly through its focus on digital inclusion and economic development. Darwish led the company to secure strategic partnerships, including a notable deal with IFC, which emphasizes digital inclusion, innovation, and job creation in underserved regions. This partnership will further boost IHS’s work to address connectivity gaps, especially in remote areas across its operational regions.

In July 2024, the company held its Annual General Meeting, where several governance reforms were approved, including changes to its board structure and shareholder engagement policies. These measures aim to enhance corporate governance and align the company’s interests with those of its shareholders. 

Another key achievement in 2024 was IHS’s ongoing contract renewals with telecom companies, including MTN and Airtel. These renewals, particularly the multi-year contract extensions with MTN across several African countries, reinforced IHS’s role in Africa’s telecom infrastructure. Again, IHS signed a new 3,950 tenant multi-year roll-out agreement with Airtel in Nigeria, further enhancing its work in the telecom sector.

Even with challenges such as Nigeria’s naira devaluation, IHS continued to prioritize sustainability and growth. In 2024, the company installed solar-powered boreholes in Maiduguri to support flood-affected communities, ensuring environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Darwish’s strategic decisions, corporate governance enhancements, and focus on expanding digital infrastructure make him one of the most influential telecom CEOs to watch in 2025.

9. Soji Maurice-Diya – ATC Nigeria

Soji Maurice-Diya, who previously served as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Commercial Director, was appointed as the CEO of ATC Nigeria in August 2024. He has a deep understanding of the telecom infrastructure sector and has been indispensable in ensuring the company’s growth. 

Maurice-Diya’s experience, spanning various sectors including technology, media, real estate, and telecommunications, places him among the top telecom CEOs to watch in 2025.

Under Maurice-Diya’s guidance, ATC Nigeria has made commendable advancements in sustainability. He led a groundbreaking environmental initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), with the goal of planting 6,000 trees across 11 states in Nigeria. 

This initiative reiterated his corporate social responsibility focus and his dedication to environmental conservation in the face of the climate change crisis. Maurice-Diya’s leadership philosophy emphasizes operational efficiency and long-term growth, ensuring that ATC Nigeria is well-positioned to expand its platform and resilience in the years to come.

His previous roles have seen him drive growth at Etisalat Nigeria and IBM, where he contributed to the development of strategic business models and market expansion. Maurice-Diya’s academic credentials, including an MBA in Finance and Strategy from the Yale School of Management, add to his profile as a dynamic and visionary leader. 

In the new year, Maurice-Diya is expected to further boost the company’s place in the Nigerian telecom sector, focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and environmental sustainability.

10. Oladipo Badru – Pan African Towers

Oladipo Badru became the acting CEO of Pan African Towers (PAT) in November 2024. With nearly two decades of experience in the telecom and finance sectors, Badru brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role. Prior to his promotion, Badru served as PAT’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), where he helped drive the company’s financial strategies and operational efficiencies. His transition into the CEO role follows the resignation of Azeez Amida, who led the company for two and a half years.

Badru’s leadership comes at a time when the telecom tower infrastructure market in Nigeria is highly competitive. PAT, which currently operates 764 active towers across Nigeria and serves over 1,200 tenants, faces competition from industry giants such as IHS Towers, ATC, and Helios Towers. 

However, with Badru, PAT is strengthening its marketplace. The company’s recent funding from Development Partners International (DPI) and Verod Capital aims to enhance its expansion plans, including the goal of tripling its tower footprint and addressing Nigeria’s infrastructure gap through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.

Badru’s career spans several high-profile roles, including Director of Finance at Etisalat UAE and Director of Finance and Operations at 9mobile. His experience also includes leadership positions at Helios Towers Nigeria, where he led the company’s growth. 

Badru’s financial background, combined with his operational expertise, places him as a key driver of innovation in the telecom infrastructure space. Under his leadership, PAT is expected to continue its transformation, enhancing connectivity across Nigeria and contributing to the country’s digital economy.

Badru’s qualifications, including an MSc from the University of Cumbria and his fellowships with various professional accounting bodies, further highlight his credibility as a seasoned leader in the telecommunications industry. 

As he leads Pan African Towers into 2025, Badru seeks to expand the company’s footprint and enhance its work in Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure market.

The former CEO of MTN Nigeria, who left Nigeria in 2004, has returned to the Nigerian telecoms space to rebrand ntel to compete in the market, according to ThisDaylive.com’s report.

Wood, who resumed on January 8, 2024, took over from Dr. Babatunde Omotoba, with plans to raise $550 million for restructuring of the new ntel.

In his new role, Wood has been tasked to shop for fresh investors and to rebrand the telecoms company, and he has assured the staff of ntel of his commitment and desire to meet up with his new role.

In a letter sent out by Wood to all ntel staff, dated June 5, 2024, ThisDayLive reported that he encouraged them to remain steadfast and assured them of his commitment to introduce fresh investors and to rebrand the company in few week-time.

He also told them about his several meetings with the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), which took over the management of ntel since last year and plans by AMCON to return ntel to its new investors.

He also told them about his meeting with the management of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In the letter, Wood told ntel staff of his plans to introduce new products and services that have not existed in the Nigerian telecoms space.

Part of the letter read:

“On 21 May, I visited the EVC/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida.  We had a very productive session about the forward plan for NATCOMS, our role in industry building, as well as the prospects for raising equity and debt capital to fund a complete new 4G/5G network design and rollout nationwide.

“Dr. Maida made several requests for support on NCC’s initiatives, which we will do. In the background, I have been engaging with potential institutional investors.

“When the new financial business plan and offering document is ready soon, there will be a roadshow to raise (estimated) US$500 million to US$550 million, to restructure, rebuild and develop NATCOMS.

“Already, together with CIO Anthony Adegbola, one New York investment fund visited some of our Lagos facilities.”

He also revealed that he had a meeting with African Capital Alliance, one of Nigeria’s (and Africa’s) premier private equity funds group.

“ACA was an early-stage investor in MTN Nigeria.  In fact, they told us it remains their investment with the best returns, ever.

“Next week I will be seeing three other potential institutional investors. All of them are Africa-focused, have investments in Nigeria in other segments, have offices in Nigeria and are seeking digital infrastructure projects to support with funding.

“Of course, it will take months of negotiations to secure large capital commitments in several stages. And that is the purpose of (55% NATCOMS shareholder) AMCON’s Facility – to see us through the crucial Project Management Office planning phase, new capital formation and network roll out, prior to relaunching the business,” it added.

According to the letter, “There will be an exciting new brand.  There will be a set of business strategies that are fresh, innovative and new to the market.

“There will be products and services, and service combinations, which do not exist in Nigeria at present. All technical systems and platforms will be constructed and rolled out nationwide, from the ground up.  It will be an enormous undertaking, but we will prevail.  I am sure of it.”

MTN Nigeria has secured approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for spectrums lease transaction between the company and the Natcom Development and Investment Limited (NTEL), TechEconomy can report.

With the approval, MTN will now lease NTEL’s 5MHz Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) in the 900MHz Spectrum band and 10MHz FDD in the 1800MHz Spectrum band covering 19 States.

The transaction is for a period of two years, effective 1 May 2023, at a cost of N4.25 billion, including taxes, regulatory fees and ancillary charges.

In addition, having accepted NCC’s offer to renew its 2100MHz Spectrum for a period of 15 years, effective 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2037, MTN Nigeria has paid N58.66 billion to the NCC.

The 2100MHz Spectrum license enables the provision of 3G mobile services on MTN’s network.

Commenting on the transactions, Karl Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO said:

“This is a significant milestone in delivering our Ambition 2025 strategy. The access to NTEL’s 900MHz and 1800MHz Spectrums broadens our spectrum holdings and improves our 3G and 4G user experience as coverage and capacity will enhance these spectrums”.