MTN, CardCentre unveil biodegradable SIM cards to curb plastic waste in Nigeria

NIGERIA – MTN Nigeria has partnered with CardCentre Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Chams HoldCo, to launch biodegradable SIM cards aimed at reducing plastic waste in Nigeria and across West Africa.

The launch event, held in Lagos on Monday, marks the first large-scale introduction of eco-friendly SIM cards in the country.

The initiative is part of MTN’s broader commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices.

The new SIM cards are Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified and manufactured using recyclable materials and energy-efficient processes.

According to MTN, they meet global sustainability standards while retaining the durability and performance that telecom users expect.

Speaking at the launch, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Tobe Okigbo, said the move underscores the company’s strategy to integrate sustainability into its core operations.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impact while supporting local businesses and economic growth through strategic alliances,” Okigbo said.

Industry collaboration

CardCentre CEO Lekan Latona hailed the collaboration as a milestone for Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

“We are proud to partner with MTN Nigeria on this project. Our biodegradable SIM cards mark an important step toward a greener future for telecommunications,” Latona said.

CardCentre, one of Nigeria’s leading smart card manufacturers, has invested heavily in sustainable card technology, positioning itself to meet rising demand for eco-friendly alternatives in banking, telecoms, and identity solutions.

The initiative comes at a time when telecom operators worldwide are shifting toward environmentally friendly SIM cards to combat the billions of plastic SIMs produced annually.

With Nigeria being Africa’s largest telecoms market, boasting more than 220 million active mobile subscriptions, the switch to biodegradable SIMs could significantly cut plastic waste.

Environmental analysts say that if adopted at scale, such initiatives could complement Nigeria’s broader climate goals and align with West Africa’s push toward a circular economy.

Industry insiders also note that this move places MTN Nigeria ahead of regulatory trends, as more African governments consider stricter rules on single-use plastics.

With MTN’s rollout, Nigeria joins a growing list of countries adopting green SIM card solutions, reflecting a global telecom industry trend toward sustainability-driven innovation.

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