Professional Assessment of Telecommunications Project Management Practices at MTN Nigeria’s Network Expansion Projects in the North West Zone

Effective telecommunications project management is central to the timely and cost-efficient delivery of network expansion programs in a competitive and capital-intensive industry. This study professionally assesses project management practices employed in MTN Nigeria's network expansion projects in the North West geopolitical zone, examining adherence to established methodologies, schedule performance, budget management, and risk governance. A professional case study design was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted with eighteen project managers, site acquisition engineers, and quality assurance officers directly engaged in network rollout activities across Kano, Katsina, and Zamfara States. Project completion records and internal performance reports were reviewed under non-disclosure agreements. Results indicate that scope creep was reported in 61% of reviewed projects, primarily caused by post-award changes to site specifications driven by community or security constraints. Schedule performance indices averaged 0.78, indicating consistent project delays relative to baseline plans. Budget overruns of between 12% and 27% were attributed primarily to escalating diesel costs and right-of-way fees. Risk registers were maintained in only 44% of projects, indicating inconsistent risk management process compliance. The study recommends adoption of the PMI PMBOK framework as a standardized methodology for all rollout projects, establishment of a regional project management office in Kano, mandatory risk register maintenance, and community liaison protocols to pre-empt site access delays. Keywords: project management, network expansion, MTN Nigeria, North West zone, schedule performance.