MTN Nigeria has marked its 25th anniversary in the country, but what was expected to be a celebration of a major milestone has triggered mixed reactions from customers, with some praising the telecom giant while others criticised its services.
MTN Nigeria, one of the country’s leading telecommunications providers, on Saturday celebrated 25 years of operations in Nigeria, reflecting on its journey and contribution to connectivity across the country.
In a message marking the milestone, the company said: “We started with a dream. Today, we’re powering millions of possibilities. Here’s to many more years of connection and progress.”
However, the anniversary celebration quickly drew a wave of reactions from Nigerians, particularly MTN subscribers who used the occasion to share their experiences with the network.
While some customers expressed appreciation for the company and its anniversary offers, others complained about difficulties accessing customer service, data-related issues, poor network performance and deductions for services they said they did not receive.
One frustrated subscriber wrote: “You are celebrating 25th years anniversary in Nigeria by denying Nigerians access to human customer care agent to solve extortion issues against them. You are sitting upon complaints of millions of Nigerians including me while celebrating.”
Another customer complained about a data purchase, saying: “MTN Nigeria, I bought a sachet bundle for N1,000 but I was being debited while the bundle never received.”
Some subscribers also reported difficulties accessing the anniversary benefits advertised by the company.
One customer asked: “Why can’t I get the 25GB? And besides, today’s browsing is supposed to be free, but the way my subscription is drying up today…”
Another said the process of claiming the 25GB anniversary offer was frustrating, describing the network experience as “WAEC bad network.”
A subscriber also appealed to MTN to extend the validity period of the anniversary data, saying: “Please MTN Nigeria, increase the data usage to tomorrow or next, at least allow us enjoy it for a while.”
Other customers complained about problems with the MTN app and messaging services.
“App not opening, you guys know what you’re doing,” one subscriber wrote.
Another alleged that repeated SMS attempts resulted in deductions without successful delivery, saying: “I have been sending messages since morning. My airtime will be deducted, but the message will still not go. I have lost so much money this morning sending messages, but the message hasn’t been delivered.”
Some subscribers, however, welcomed the anniversary offers and celebrated the company’s milestone.
“Thanks MTN for the data today and free airtime. Long live,” one customer wrote.
Another said: “Thanks MTN, I don download movies to watch.”
A subscriber who received the anniversary data wrote: “I got 25GB megabyte. Make una reduce how to swallow data, country hard.”
Others simply congratulated the company while calling for improved services.
“Wow, congratulations to us, the MTN users. Abeg MTN, I’m waiting for my own data,” one subscriber wrote.
Another said: “Big, big congratulations to you. More better services.”
Some customers also used the occasion to make demands, including cheaper data plans.
“Bring back 1GB for ₦200, seven days validity,” a subscriber appealed.
Another customer joked about the anniversary experience, writing: “MTN gave us data and seize our network. True definition of Apu for Apu.”
The 25th anniversary also stirred nostalgia among longtime MTN users, with some recalling the company’s 10th anniversary celebrations and the song associated with the milestone.
One customer wrote: “I still remember that song from MTN 10th anniversary. Like a dream, like a vision, like a little flower grows… Ring the bell, sound the alarm, MTN is 10. We just wanna say thank you, thank you, thank you Nigeriaaaaaa.”
The customer concluded humorously: “Omo person don dey old o.”
Another subscriber appeared to reflect on the longevity of the MTN network, writing: “Wow. My SIM card is 24 years now.”
As MTN Nigeria celebrates 25 years in the country, the mixed reactions highlight both the loyalty of some subscribers and the frustrations of others, particularly over network reliability, customer support and data services.
For many Nigerians, the anniversary is therefore not only a moment to celebrate MTN’s contribution to telecommunications but also an opportunity to call for improved service delivery as the company enters its next chapter.
