By Peace Udugba
MTN Nigeria Deepens Climate Action With 6.4% Emissions Reduction
MTN Nigeria has recorded a 6.4 percent reduction in its operational greenhouse gas emissions, according to its 2025 Sustainability Report, as the telecoms company continues efforts to transition toward cleaner and more efficient energy use.
The development builds on earlier progress reported in 2024, when the company disclosed an 11 percent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions compared to 2021 levels.
The latest reduction was driven by sustained investments in energy efficiency and cleaner power alternatives under its long-term sustainability strategy, Project Zero, which targets net-zero emissions by 2040.
In 2025, the company invested ₦10.1 billion in climate-related initiatives and recorded estimated savings of about ₦8.5 billion. These efforts included expanding the replacement of diesel-powered systems with gas-powered electricity solutions and inverters, as well as scaling solar-powered rural telephony sites from 194 to 229 to improve connectivity in underserved communities.
However, diesel remained the dominant energy source for MTN Nigeria, accounting for 58.11 percent of total energy consumption in 2025, followed by gas-powered independent power producers at 23.63 percent, grid electricity at 18.04 percent, and renewable energy at just 0.05 percent.
The company noted that Nigeria’s persistent power challenges, including frequent grid instability, continue to drive reliance on diesel generators, significantly increasing operational costs. MTN estimates that powering its nationwide network costs over ₦60 billion annually.
MTN Nigeria was also among a small group of companies in the country to adopt IFRS S1 and S2 sustainability reporting standards ahead of mandatory compliance, alongside firms such as Seplat Energy, Access Holdings, and Fidelity Bank.
According to Chief Executive Officer Karl Toriola, the 2025 report reflects the company’s commitment to transparent, standards-based sustainability reporting and long-term value creation.
He noted that sustainability remains central to MTN Nigeria’s strategy as it balances business growth with environmental responsibility, despite ongoing structural energy challenges in the country.
