MTN Nigeria significantly increased the number of employees earning at least ₦2.4 million ($1,772) per month in 2025, nearly doubling the figure from the previous year. According to the telecom giant’s full-year financial report, 659 staff fell into the top salary band, a 97.3% increase from 334 in 2024, despite modest overall headcount growth to 2,001 employees.

The move reflects a deliberate shift in MTN’s pay structure, focusing on high-value and specialized roles in network operations, digital services, AI-driven platforms, cloud infrastructure, and customer experience. Mid-tier salary bands shrank sharply, with staff earning ₦14.5–₦17.5 million annually dropping by 70% and those in the ₦19.5–₦24.5 million range declining by nearly 50%.

MTN has long been among Nigeria’s highest-paying employers, offering entry-level wages well above the national average, Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOP), and performance-based incentives. Rising inflation and the ongoing “Japa” phenomenon, which drives skilled professionals abroad, have intensified competition for talent, prompting top-tier pay and retention measures.

The increase in top-end salaries was supported by improved industry revenue, including a 55.1% growth in service revenue to ₦5.2 trillion ($3.84 billion) in 2025, fueled by gains in data, voice, fintech, and digital services. MTN’s approach underscores how telecoms are leveraging compensation strategies to retain critical talent amid inflationary pressures and a competitive labor market.