MTN Nigeria shifts to paper-based SIMS in push for sustainability  

According to the company, the biodegradable paper-based SIM card is safer for the environment, as it supports the management of products throughout their lifecycle in a manner that promotes circularity and reduces waste.

This comes barely a week after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) announced plans to issue a revised corporate governance code, updating the last code from 2016 with a key focus on the introduction of mandatory sustainability reporting for telecom operators.

MTN in a statement noted that the gradual elimination of plastic-based SIM cards would help the company make a huge contribution to plastic pollution prevention, showing its commitment to continuously exploring ways to integrate sustainable practices into its operations.

“Our new eco-friendly SIM cards represent part of our continuous commitment to environmental responsibility, as well as our dedication to reducing waste, supporting local Nigerian vendors, and integrating sustainability into business operations as well as the daily lives of the people”, said Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer.

Also commenting on the development, the General Manager of sustainability and Shared Value at MTN, Adekemi Adisa, said:

“Our people and the environment where they live drive the innovative measures we take.  

“The launch of our recyclable SIM cards embodies our commitment to sustainability, encouraging our customers to make eco-friendly choices, reducing waste and paving the way for a more environmentally conscious future for Nigerians.”