MTN Bridges Infrastructure Gaps with ₦3 Billion Digital Talent Initiative
Telecommunications giant, MTN Nigeria has unveiled a new ₦3 billion initiative aimed at tackling the twin challenges of inadequate infrastructure and a widening digital skills gap across the country.
The project, which was announced in Abuja, forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem while supporting youth empowerment and national development.
According to MTN, the initiative will focus on two key pillars: infrastructure expansion and the development of digital talent. The company revealed that it had already spent over ₦202.4 billion on capital projects in the first quarter of 2025 alone—an increase of 159% compared to the same period last year.
This investment is directed at upgrading and expanding network infrastructure, including base stations, fibre optic connectivity, and the deployment of more telecom towers in underserved areas.
In addition to network improvements, MTN is also committing ₦3 billion through its corporate social responsibility arm to support the training and empowerment of young Nigerians in digital technologies.
The funding will go towards programs designed to build technical capacity in software development, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and other high-demand ICT fields.
This aligns closely with national initiatives like the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program and the ongoing digital inclusion agenda.
A senior MTN executive noted that the initiative is not only aimed at closing Nigeria’s infrastructure gap but also at equipping young people with the tools to thrive in the modern economy.
“We believe that bridging the digital divide requires more than just expanding our network footprint. We must also invest in people, in skills, and in ideas that will power the digital future,” the executive said.
The move has been widely welcomed by stakeholders in the digital and education sectors, who see MTN’s initiative as a timely intervention. Civil society groups, tech hubs, and educators have all expressed optimism that such private sector-led efforts could complement government programs and accelerate the digital transformation of Nigeria.
Experts say that by combining physical infrastructure investment with human capital development, MTN is taking a holistic approach to closing the connectivity gap and unlocking new economic opportunities.
The company’s efforts also dovetail with major government projects like Project BRIDGE, which is targeting the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fibre optic cable and 7,000 new telecom towers to improve internet access nationwide.
As Nigeria continues its push toward a fully digital economy, MTN’s ₦3 billion commitment stands as a significant step in ensuring that more citizens—not just in urban centers but across rural communities—are connected, skilled, and ready to participate in the digital age.
