MTN Nigeria Chief Financial Officer, Modupe Kadri, has charged Nigerian businesses to reject a sense of policy entitlement, build reputable brands that can compete with international companies, and not submit to the ideology of being “local”.
He made the remarks while speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) breakfast forum held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Kadri noted that Nigerian enterprises seeking sustained economic expansion must build internal capacity capable of competing globally and not feel entitled to local policies for favour. He charged them to innovate outside the context of home ground to stand a chance with multinationals.
In the gathering, which had business leaders and corporate delegates in attendance, Kadri emphasised that true economic synergy between multinational anchors and domestic suppliers requires predictable market demand, strict governance, and uncompromising delivery discipline.
He said what makes local content stand out is commercial rigour rather than simply relying on domestic patronage.
“Local content must not mean substandard quality, nor should it mean entitlement simply because a company is Nigerian,” Kadri said.
The call comes amid growing partnerships between Nigerian enterprises and multinational corporations. Kadri is making an attempt to advise local businesses that big and international companies will not award contracts out of legal duty, clarity or nationalism.
Instead, local vendors must elevate their technical capabilities and operations so that partnering with them yields returns for both parties and helps in broader national growth.
The session was organised by NSACC to deepen bilateral trade ties and foster robust commercial ecosystems. Industry heads including Afolabi Sobande, Group COO of Computer Warehouse Group; Udeme Ufot, Group Managing Director of SO&U; Yemi Chukwurah, CEO of Seams and Stitches; and Ayeni Adekunle, CEO of BlackHouse Media, were present during the session.
The industry leaders testified to how structured corporate procurement helped transition their respective businesses from small-scale operations into continental brands.
MTN CFO: Nigerian businesses need advanced tech
While emphasis was placed on strategic collaboration with the big guys, Kadri mentioned that the next frontier of growth in technological paced age is through the adoption of advanced innovations.
The MTN CFO noted that while the initial era of domestic participation focused on civil infrastructure and basic logistics, the next frontier requires technical depth in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cyber defences.
“Shared growth is not charity; it is not public relations; it is invited business logic that happens when value circulates through businesses, communities, and governments.”
Stakeholders at the event also echoed Kadri’s opinion, noting that sustaining Nigeria’s industrial growth over the next quarter-century will require patient capital, transparent corporate access, and continuous skill acquisition. This, in turn, helps local enterprises evolve into globally recognised champions.
The NSACC, founded in May 2000, was established to encourage bilateral trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, Africa’s two largest economies.
It operates as a private organisation limited by guarantee, is funded largely by member contributions and represents hundreds of corporate members and prominent businesses across major sectors in both countries. 25 years on, it has continued to serve as a critical platform for strategic policy alignment and enterprise scaling.
Also read: 10 Nigerian creators that are building businesses beyond social media
