In 2006, Karl began his career at MTN, where he worked in senior operational roles across the Cameroon and Chief Technical Officer of MTN Nigeria. Karl also served as Chief Operations Officer at Airtel Nigeria. His experience spans across the telecommunications industry, as he has also worked in the oil and gas sector, as well as in management and consulting.
In March 2021, MTN Nigeria appointed Karl Toriola as its Chief Executive Officer, a position that has now positioned him as one of the richest CEOs in Nigeria. As the CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl’s vision goes beyond connecting lines to genuinely touching lives through various corporate social responsibility initiatives.
As the CEO of Nigeria’s largest mobile network provider, with a market share of approximately 37%, Karl Toriola is one of the highest-paid CEOs in the country. His journey into the telecommunications industry is marked by strategic foresight, commitment, and innovation.
In March 2021, MTN Nigeria appointed Karl Toriola as its Chief Executive Officer, a position that has now positioned him as one of the richest CEOs in Nigeria. As the CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl’s vision goes beyond connecting lines to genuinely touching lives through various corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Under his leadership, MTN Nigeria has experienced a remarkable increase in its subscriber base, reaching over 70 million users, reflecting Karl’s commitment to expanding the network coverage and enhancing service quality. While reflecting on his team’s mission, ‘Have we made our customers’ lives brighter today?’. He reaffirmed his commitment to keeping Nigerians connected to their loved ones and the information, services, and technology they need.
One of Karl’s notable standout initiatives at MTN Nigeria is the MTN Revv program, designed to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by connecting them with top business executives and industry experts.
In 2021, Karl unveiled the MTN rural telephony program, aiming to bridge the digital divide by extending telecommunications coverage to millions of Nigerians living in underserved and unserved areas across the country Under his leadership, the company has identified over 3,000 locations nationwide for network coverage rollout.
During the initial rollout phase in 2020, over 583 rural sites were established nationwide, including locations such as Kurba, Bauchi State; Agbiyi Umued, Abia State; Tobolo, Ogun State; Tadun Faila, Sokoto State; and Uzo Uwani, Enugu State, among others.
This initiative demonstrates MTN’s commitment to connecting millions of Nigerians and promoting digital inclusion. MTN aims to install over 1,000 new sites annually. The company stated that it is deploying infrastructure to accelerate connectivity and facilitate the consistent rollout of low-cost solutions in areas with little or no network coverage and broadband services.
In an interview earlier this year, Karl addressed the challenges facing Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, mentioning that telecom operators had submitted a request for a 100% tariff increase, an essential move for the industry’s sustainability.
Under Karl’s leadership, MTN Nigeria has made an effort to support the local economy and communities. The company has also supported over 2 million direct and indirect jobs across the country.
In addition to its economic contributions, MTN Nigeria has prioritized corporate social responsibility, focusing on initiatives that promote education, health, and environmental sustainability. This holistic approach to corporate citizenship has enabled the company to make a positive impact on the communities it serves.
The company’s initiatives have not only improved the lives of millions of Nigerians but have also contributed to the country’s socio-economic growth.
Karl Toriola holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Electronics from Obafemi Awolowo University and a Master’s degree in Communication Systems from the University of Wales, UK. He is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and a member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Institute of Directors.
As the CEO of MTN Nigeria, Karl is committed to strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering partnerships with tech startups and innovators to drive new solutions that meet the demands of a changing market.
The introduction of cutting-edge technologies, such as 5G, is among Karl’s visions for the company.
Karl Toriola’s journey at MTN Nigeria illustrates the qualities of a visionary leader with strategic foresight and a commitment to innovation.
