Chief Information Officer - CIO at MTN Nigeria

Division: Information Technology

Mission:

• This role is dedicated to leveraging digital transformation to position MTN Nigeria’s tech team as the industry leader, driving innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth as it builds a high-performing, multidisciplinary workforce motivated by initiative and collaboration, capable of seamlessly working across boundaries. 

Description:

• Architect and oversee the execution of an enterprise IT vision that integrates emerging technologies, including AI, IoT, hybrid cloud, automation, and edge computing, to position MTN Nigeria as a technology leader.
• Design and implement a robust IT strategy that aligns with MTN’s drive toward digital transformation, ensuring agility, scalability, and responsiveness to rapidly evolving market needs.
• Develop governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to guide IT operations, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives, compliance, and delivery of high-quality services.
• Spearhead the adoption of innovative digital platforms, enabling cloud-native and microservices architectures to enhance operational agility and support a diverse range of digital services.
• Build a comprehensive IT risk management strategy, embedding cybersecurity, compliance, and business continuity into all processes to protect MTN Nigeria’s operations and reputation.
• Evaluate and ensure the deployment of modernized IT infrastructure, applications, and tools to support digital growth and operational resilience.
• Oversee the technical architecture of IT systems, ensuring relevance, flexibility, and the infusion of innovations to support MTN Nigeria’s transition to a TechCo.
• Establish a data governance framework that leverages data as a strategic asset, enabling data-driven decision-making and the creation of new revenue streams through analytics and AI.
• Monitor IT projects and operations to ensure resource availability, strategic alignment, and maximized return on investment from technology initiatives.
• Develop and manage Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Terms of Reference with technology providers and partners, ensuring alignment with the organization’s digital transformation goals.
• Implement advanced IT quality assurance and asset management systems, ensuring operational excellence and optimization of resources in a digital-first environment.
• Continuously review and refine metrics and KPIs to assess IT operations, aligning performance with corporate strategy and enabling informed decision-making.

Design the future operating model 

• Move from hierarchy/project/silos to agile product teams, platform thinking and cross-functional execution.
• Institutionalize ways of working (OKRs, product funding, platform SLAs).

Build an engineering culture 

• Drive ownership mindset, experimentation, rapid iteration, and intelligent risk-taking.
• Establish guilds/chapters, DORA metrics, and engineering excellence standards.

Operationalize competitive tech 

• Embed AI-driven decisioning into operations; treat data as a strategic asset.
• Implement automation to remove friction and scale productivity.

Shift IT from cost center to growth engine 

• Build scalable digital platforms; monetize data, AI, and digital capabilities.
• Reframe investment cases from cost to growth (ROI, payback, NPV).

Create ecosystems, not just systems 

• Establish API-first architecture and internal developer platforms to accelerate delivery.
• Lead change at an emotional level 
• Shape narratives, inspire belief, and role-model the culture of learning-fast.
• Lead the development of a comprehensive IT risk management strategy that mitigates vulnerabilities, safeguards digital assets, and ensures uninterrupted business operations.
• Oversee disaster recovery planning and execution at a strategic level, ensuring resilience and continuity of IT services during disruptions.
• Implement enterprise-wide cybersecurity measures, addressing evolving threats while maintaining compliance with national and global data protection regulations.
• Monitor and respond proactively to risks associated with technology obsolescence, regulatory changes, and geopolitical factors, ensuring alignment with MTN Nigeria’s strategic vision.

Education:

• First degree in Information Systems
• Accreditation in IT from a recognized body
• An MBA or a master’s qualification in a related field is required
• Fluent in English 

Experience:

Minimum of 12 years’ experience within a reputable and structured business environment 

• At least 5 years strategic management experience in a Telco or Digital Business
• At least 3 years’ experience in relevant sector/ industry 
• Experience working in a global/multinational enterprise with a good understanding of emerging markets 
• Worked across diverse cultures and geographies.
• Proven track record of a start-up, shutdown and/or business improvement project