The MTN Nigeria Foundation has announced the expansion of the sixth phase of its flagship “What Can We Do Together” (WCWDT) initiative, reinforcing its long-standing commitment to community-driven development across Nigeria.
Unveiled as part of the foundation’s broader social investment strategy, Phase Six focuses on deepening grassroots impact by enabling Nigerians to actively participate in identifying and nominating development projects within their communities. The initiative continues to serve as a collaborative platform where citizens, institutions, and stakeholders contribute to shaping sustainable solutions in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Speaking during the launch, the foundation’s Executive Director emphasized that collective responsibility remains central to national development. She noted that the programme empowers communities to take ownership of their growth by directly influencing the types of interventions implemented in their localities. According to her, beneficiaries are not just recipients but active contributors to meaningful change.
The latest phase will deliver targeted interventions across the country, including the revitalisation of 40 primary healthcare centres and the upgrade of 15 science laboratories in public secondary schools. These projects are designed to address critical gaps in Nigeria’s healthcare and education systems, particularly in underserved areas.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the initiative incorporates modern support systems such as solar power installations, access to clean water, provision of medical and laboratory equipment, and capacity-building programmes for healthcare workers and teachers. This integrated approach ensures that the facilities remain functional, efficient, and sustainable over time.
A defining feature of Phase Six is its participatory framework. Through dedicated nomination portals and nationwide awareness campaigns, individuals and communities can propose projects that directly address their most pressing needs. This bottom-up model enhances transparency, inclusivity, and long-term impact by aligning interventions with real community priorities.
The initiative builds on the successes of previous phases, which have delivered significant improvements across multiple sectors. Past interventions include the rehabilitation of healthcare centres, establishment of ICT laboratories, provision of educational materials and school furniture, and installation of transformers to improve electricity supply in underserved communities. These efforts have collectively reached millions of Nigerians and strengthened essential public services.
In the health sector, the foundation’s interventions have contributed to improved maternal and child healthcare outcomes, expanded immunisation coverage, and increased access to quality primary healthcare services. These achievements underscore the importance of sustained investment in community-level health systems.
Stakeholders at the launch event, including public health experts, highlighted the critical role of partnerships between the private sector and government in addressing systemic challenges. They stressed that strengthening primary healthcare infrastructure is essential for national health security and economic stability, particularly in the face of emerging health threats.
Since its inception, the WCWDT initiative has evolved into one of Nigeria’s largest private-sector-led development programmes. Driven largely by contributions from telecom subscribers, it reflects a model of shared value where corporate resources are leveraged to deliver measurable social impact.
As Phase Six rolls out nationwide, the MTN Nigeria Foundation is urging Nigerians to engage actively by nominating communities, spreading awareness, and supporting implementation efforts. The foundation maintains that sustainable development can only be achieved when citizens are directly involved in shaping the future of their communities.
With its renewed focus on collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity, the initiative continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative change—bridging critical gaps and building resilient communities across Nigeria.
