MTN Nigeria's Tax Payments Surge to N295.4 Billion in 2026

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (NGX: MTNN) paid N295.4 billion in income taxes for the nine months ending September 30, 2026, a substantial increase from N21.5 billion in the same period of 2025. This figure, disclosed in the company's unaudited financial statements, is nearly 14 times higher than the previous year.

The rise in tax payments coincided with a 59.4% increase in profit before tax, which reached N1.80 trillion, up from N1.13 trillion a year earlier. The company's income tax expense also rose by 67.6% to N630.5 billion, compared to N376.3 billion in 2025.

However, the actual cash payment of N295.4 billion was lower than the recognized tax expense, highlighting the difference between tax expenses and cash payments. MTN Nigeria's effective tax rate increased to approximately 35.1% from 33.4% in the previous year.

The firm also reported a 59.4% increase in pre-tax profit and a rise in revenue to N4.61 trillion, driven by growth in data and voice services.