MTN’s FibreX project aims to boost Nigeria’s connectivity and 5G readiness

As digital transformation accelerates across Africa, Nigeria’s largest telecom operator, MTN, is betting big on fibre broadband to drive the country’s next phase of connectivity.

Its ambitious plan — to extend FibreX to eight million homes by 2028 — could redefine how Nigerians access the internet and how the country positions itself in the global digital economy.

Rebranded from MTN Fibre Broadband in April 2025, FibreX represents the company’s most aggressive push yet into fixed broadband infrastructure. With coverage already spanning 16 states, MTN plans to extend its reach to all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in the coming years.

According to Egerton Idehen, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Broadband Officer, the project is not just another connectivity upgrade — it is the foundation of the company’s strategy to become a full-fledged technology provider.

“We’re not just expanding cables; we’re building the infrastructure that will power Nigeria’s digital economy,” Idehen said. “Fibre is the foundation for dense urban connectivity, and it complements 5G — not competes with it.”

From 35,000km to 125,000km: Building Nigeria’s digital backbone

Nigeria’s broadband penetration remains below 50 percent, and fewer than two percent of homes have fixed broadband access — one of the lowest rates globally. MTN hopes to change that by expanding national fibre capacity from 35,000 kilometres to 125,000 kilometres, adding 90,000 kilometres of new lines within the next three years.

The initial rollout will focus on high-density urban and semi-urban areas, which offer stronger commercial viability. These regions — including Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano — are hubs of digital demand, housing millions of small businesses and tech-driven households that rely on high-speed internet for productivity and growth.

“We are investing in both fibre and wireless technologies,” Idehen explained. “Fibre provides the backbone for reliable, high-speed connectivity, while 5G complements it through wireless delivery. Both technologies work hand in hand to enhance the user experience.”

Laying the groundwork for 5G and smart cities

For MTN, fibre infrastructure is not merely about faster streaming or smoother video calls. It is about future-proofing Nigeria’s digital economy — enabling technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) that depend on ultra-fast, low-latency connections.

Idehen said FibreX will play a key role in powering smart city development, data centres, and enterprise-level digital solutions. With Nigeria’s urban population projected to exceed 60 percent by 2030, the need for robust connectivity has become both an economic and social imperative.

“5G has not taken a back seat,” Idehen clarified. “Fibre is simply the foundation that makes 5G more efficient. You can’t have sustainable 5G coverage without a strong fibre backbone.”

This layered approach ensures that MTN can deliver consistent service across Nigeria’s diverse terrains. In rural areas, wireless solutions such as 4G and 5G will continue to dominate, while fibre deployment will be prioritised in cities where infrastructure and demand justify the investment.

“We won’t bring a Rolls-Royce where there’s no road,” Idehen said with a smile, explaining that MTN will deploy “appropriate technologies” suited to each region.

MTN is also betting on content partnerships to make FibreX more appealing to households. The company is exploring collaborations with major streaming platforms such as Showmax and Netflix, offering bundled entertainment and internet packages.

The strategy mirrors a global shift in broadband marketing — where service providers sell experiences, not just connectivity. By integrating streaming, gaming, and education platforms, MTN hopes to increase adoption among families and digital creatives.

“Broadband is no longer a luxury. It is the electricity of the digital age,” Idehen said. “Each connected home represents an opportunity for learning, productivity, and creativity.”

Overcoming challenges: vandalism, fibre cuts, and right-of-way issues

Despite the promise of FibreX, MTN faces significant infrastructure challenges. Idehen revealed that the company records an estimated 30 to 35 fibre cuts daily due to vandalism, construction mishaps, and community interference. These disruptions not only affect service delivery but also drive up maintenance costs.

“We have to keep repairing, reinforcing, and rebuilding,” he said. “That’s why we’re calling for stronger protection of telecom infrastructure.”

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently classified telecom infrastructure as critical national assets, a move MTN welcomed. However, the company says more needs to be done at state and local levels to enforce the protection of fibre routes and improve coordination on rights-of-way.

Affordability remains another challenge. Although broadband costs have fallen over the years, income disparities and inflation continue to limit household adoption. MTN is partnering with estate developers, state governments, and local contractors to reduce installation costs and integrate fibre directly into new housing projects — an approach that could make broadband more accessible.

FibreX and the government’s digital agenda

MTN’s expansion aligns closely with Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan (NBP 2020–2025) and the National Digital Economy Policy, both of which aim to achieve 70 percent broadband penetration and minimum internet speeds of 25 Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural communities by 2025.

The company’s focus on local partnerships and public-private collaboration fits into the government’s goal of expanding the digital economy’s contribution to GDP. By 2023, the ICT sector already accounted for more than 18 percent of Nigeria’s GDP, and fibre infrastructure could help sustain that momentum.

“Every kilometre of fibre laid adds to Nigeria’s economic resilience and competitiveness,” Idehen said. “Our plan is to make connectivity as pervasive as electricity, powering innovation from homes to businesses.”

Beyond MTN’s immediate rollout, industry leaders argue that telecommunications — particularly broadband — has become Africa’s “invisible infrastructure.”

At the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit held in Abuja, Ernest Ndukwe, Chairman of MTN Nigeria and former Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, underscored how telecom networks now underpin economic development, trade, and innovation across the continent.

“Telecoms is the invisible infrastructure that sustains our economies,” Ndukwe said during a plenary session titled Titans on the Move: Africa’s Multinationals. “It underpins trade, innovation, and financial inclusion across the continent.”

He described telecommunications as being just as critical to Africa’s growth as roads and electricity, arguing that without connectivity, no modern economy can function efficiently.

“Without robust telecom networks, national economies would have been paralysed during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said. “Businesses, governments, and schools all relied on digital platforms to stay operational. That experience showed that connectivity is not optional — it is foundational.”

Africa as a creator, not a consumer

Ndukwe also highlighted MTN’s rise as a case study in African innovation. From its beginnings in Nigeria in 2001, the company has grown into one of the largest mobile operators in the world by subscriber numbers, demonstrating that African firms can compete globally.

“These achievements prove that Africa is not just a consumer of global innovations but a creator of firms capable of shaping the global conversation,” he said.

He added that the continent’s success in areas such as mobile money and fintech has shown that African-led solutions can effectively address local challenges — often leapfrogging traditional infrastructure gaps.

“Telecommunications go beyond connectivity,” Ndukwe said. “It acts as a catalyst for inclusion, especially for Africans without access to banking or formal education.”

At the same panel session, Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, said African fintech companies are “breaking barriers in cross-border payments,” citing the need for reliable infrastructure to support regional integration.

Similarly, Girish Sharma, Managing Director of Guinness Nigeria, pointed out that sustainability and trust are becoming central to corporate growth on the continent. Both leaders agreed that the private sector must collaborate more closely with policymakers to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.

Their remarks underline a key theme echoed throughout the broadband conversation — that connectivity is not just a technical project, but an economic one, requiring cross-sector cooperation between government, business, and civil society.

The road ahead: powering a connected Nigeria

For MTN, the FibreX rollout is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a statement of intent — to help close Nigeria’s digital divide and build the backbone for a 5G-enabled economy.

The company’s target to connect eight million homes by 2028 reflects both optimism and urgency in a market where demand for high-speed internet is soaring but access remains limited.

Still, the journey will not be without obstacles. Persistent vandalism, regulatory delays, and high deployment costs continue to challenge progress. Yet, MTN believes that every kilometre of fibre and every connected home brings Nigeria closer to its digital promise.

“We are not just focused on profits,” Idehen said. “We are building the foundation that will power Nigeria’s innovation, connectivity, and future opportunities.”