MTN Nigeria named digital company of the decade

MTN Nigeria has been named Digital Company of the Decade at the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, as Nigeria’s growing reliance on digital connectivity continues to reshape how individuals and businesses communicate, work, transact and access services.

The award was presented on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the THISDAY Dome in Abuja as part of Daily Times Nigeria’s centenary celebrations.

The recognition acknowledges MTN Nigeria’s contribution to the growth of digital connectivity and its role in supporting the country’s evolving digital economy.

Receiving the award, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, expressed appreciation to the organisers and stakeholders whose votes and confidence contributed to the recognition.

“We are honoured to receive the Digital Company of the Decade Award, and grateful to all the stakeholders whose votes and confidence made this possible,” Okigbo said.

He noted that the award was particularly significant as MTN Nigeria marks 25 years of contributing to the country’s socio-economic development.

“We consider it a privilege for MTN Nigeria to be featured among institutions shaping Nigeria’s development journey and remain committed to building our digital economy underpinned by innovation and the transformative power of technology,” he added.

The recognition comes against the backdrop of a significant change in how connectivity is used in Nigeria.

Mobile connectivity has evolved beyond traditional voice communication to become an important gateway to financial services, education, entertainment, commerce and enterprise.

For individuals, smartphones and mobile networks have created new ways to access services, communicate, learn and participate in the economy. Businesses, meanwhile, increasingly rely on digital platforms and connectivity to engage customers, conduct transactions and operate more efficiently.

The shift has also expanded the role of telecommunications companies. Rather than simply providing the infrastructure for calls and messaging, operators are increasingly involved in providing the connectivity and digital solutions that support a wider digital ecosystem.

MTN Nigeria’s journey reflects that evolution, with the company expanding its focus beyond traditional telecommunications into connectivity and digital solutions as the needs of consumers, businesses and institutions have changed.

As Nigeria continues to develop its digital economy, connectivity has become increasingly important to productivity, inclusion and access to opportunity.

The Digital Company of the Decade recognition therefore places MTN Nigeria’s journey within a broader transformation taking place across the country’s technology and telecommunications landscape.

For Daily Times Nigeria, which is marking 100 years of documenting Nigeria’s development, the recognition also forms part of a wider celebration of institutions considered to have contributed to the country’s progress.

MTN Nigeria’s inclusion among the DTN@100 honourees, and its subsequent documentation in the Nigerian Grand Book, provides a record of the company’s digital journey alongside other institutions recognised during the centenary celebrations.

With MTN Nigeria now 25 years into its Nigerian journey, the award comes at a time when digital technology is becoming increasingly embedded in everyday economic and social life.

The recognition consequently goes beyond an individual corporate award, reflecting the growing importance of connectivity and digital services as Nigeria continues to transition towards a more digitally driven economy.