His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano, earned about ₦442 million from MTN Group in the 2025 financial year through his role as a non‑executive director, not as a traditional “salary” from MTN Nigeria (MTNN) alone.
Who the Emir of Kano is
- Muhammadu Sanusi II is the 14th Emir of Kano, a top traditional ruler in northern Nigeria and a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, known for banking reforms and anti‑corruption advocacy.
- Beyond his royal role, he sits on several corporate boards and advisory bodies, using his economics and finance background to influence policy and business strategy.
How he earns money from MTN
- Sanusi has been a non‑executive director on the board of MTN Group since July 2019, helping to oversee the telecoms giant’s operations across Africa, including MTN Nigeria.
- As a non‑executive director, he does not run day‑to‑day operations; instead, he attends board and committee meetings, contributes to strategy, and sits on key committees such as risk management, finance, and social ethics.
Breakdown of his MTN remuneration
- For the 2025 fiscal year, reports show the Emir received a total package of about R5.44 million (roughly ₦442 million or 324,000 dollars at prevailing rates) from MTN Group.
- This comprised around R1.82 million (about ₦148 million) in retainer fees, R1.37 million (about ₦112 million) for board meetings, plus additional payments for strategy sessions and special assignments linked to his committee work.
Why his MTN earnings matter
- The payout, which rose from roughly ₦412 million the previous year, reflects both MTN’s improved performance and the growing importance of experienced non‑executive directors in corporate governance in Africa’s largest companies.
- It also highlights how a prominent traditional ruler like Sanusi uses his professional expertise and global network to attract investment, navigate regulatory environments, and strengthen investor confidence in key markets such as Nigeria and Ghana.
Wider context: MTN and Nigeria
- MTN Group is Africa’s largest mobile network operator, with MTN Nigeria Communications Plc as its biggest and most profitable subsidiary, despite recent years of regulatory disputes and currency‑driven losses.
- Bringing influential figures like the Emir of Kano onto its board was part of MTN’s effort to “evolve” its governance and better manage complex regulatory and political risks in Nigeria and other African markets