Lebara Nigeria on Wednesday formally signalled its entry into Africa’s largest telecoms market, hosting a private soft launch and networking reception in Lagos in partnership with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade and the British High Commission.
The event drew senior government officials, regulators, investors, and industry leaders, underscoring the diplomatic and commercial weight behind the company’s arrival.
The formal entry follows groundwork laid in June last year, when the company unveiled its dedicated 0724 number series and confirmed it had secured full interconnectivity with major mobile network operators across the country, a key requirement ahead of commercial rollout.
Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, Teniola Stuffman, told guests that the company’s entry into the market was driven by a conviction that Nigeria represents a defining moment for inclusive and globally connected digital access.
“Nigeria stands at a defining moment, a nation of extraordinary talent, resilience, and ambition, yet millions require more inclusive, more affordable, more globally connected digital access,” she said.
According to her, Lebara’s philosophy rests on what she described as a “Telco Trinity” — reliable, affordable, and customer-centric services — a model she said has guided the brand’s operations across the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Middle East.
“Connectivity is not simply about telephones. It is about access — access to opportunities, education, commerce, global markets, and meaningful participation in the digital economy,” Stuffman added.
Lebara Nigeria holds a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator licence, the highest category under Nigeria’s telecom regulatory framework. The company has secured full interconnectivity with major mobile network operators nationwide and unveiled its dedicated 0724 number series as part of preparations for commercial operations.
Operating as an MVNO, the company is leveraging national infrastructure through a partnership with Airtel Nigeria, allowing it to focus on product innovation, international connectivity ,and customer experience.
Stuffman said the partnership would enable Lebara to tap into Nigeria’s growing diaspora economy, cross-border trade flows, and roaming opportunities, positioning the company as a bridge between Nigerians at home and abroad.
“Nigeria must not only connect internally; it must also connect globally,” she said, noting that Lebara’s global footprint uniquely positions it to enhance international connectivity options for Nigerians across markets where they live and work.
Beyond core telecom services, the company disclosed plans to integrate financial and creative-economy support initiatives into its offering. These include microloans, device financing, Lebara-powered internet hubs, and culture-driven events aimed at supporting Nigeria’s arts, tourism, and creative sectors.
The event also served as a platform to acknowledge regulators and policymakers, whose oversight, Stuffman said, continues to shape a resilient and forward-looking telecommunications industry.
Describing the launch as “a signal for change,” she said Lebara’s entry was not merely about joining a competitive market but about strengthening Nigeria’s global connectivity architecture through responsible, scalable investment.
With regulatory approvals secured and infrastructure partnerships in place, Lebara Nigeria now joins the country’s expanding telecom landscape, positioning itself as a globally oriented operator focused on affordability, diaspora connectivity, and digitally driven services.
