Why Nigerians are experiencing poor network service – MTN Chief
Many Nigerians have expressed frustration regarding the quality of service on the MTN network. The firm's Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, has provided some answers
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, has explained that some of the network service disruptions Nigerians have been experiencing are due to MTN’s operations in a challenging environment.
He made this statement while fielding questions from journalists during a Ask Me Anything session in Lagos. Tobe revealed that poor service on a mobile network can be due to technical or environmental factors.
“There are a lot of things that can make the network bad,” Tobe explains, “and it gets as simple as ordinary rainfall, because it’s a mobile network. In Nigeria and most of Africa, the way our networks are designed is to substitute for everything: your network serves as your mobile phone, your landline, your internet access, and everything in communication. So the more you use it, the more bandwidth you consume, the more congestion you have.”
MTN and other mobile network operators increased tariffs by 50% in 2025. Still, many Nigerians have remained frustrated as they continue to suffer poor service quality, with one publication reporting that a class-action suit has been filed against the telecoms firm.
Network congestion occurs when multiple people simultaneously latch onto the network, and this also affects service quality. The MTN Chief explained that in this scenario, the telecoms operator would have to increase the number of radios on the cell site to expand its carrying capacity. And if the congestion continues, a new base station would have to be built.
Many Nigerians expected that, with the increase in tariffs, mobile network operators like MTN would have more money to invest in their networks to ensure quality service.
Regarding network investments, Tobe noted that there’s usually a time lag between when an investment is made and when it comes in. He detailed that the likes of ZTE and Huawei would only manufacture equipment on request.
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