Virtual network operator Lebara announces soft launch in Nigeria, targets 1m subscribers in first year

Lebara Nigeria, one of the 46 mobile virtual network operators (MNVOs) licensed in 2023, has made its soft launch in the country. The development signals the company’s preparation for a full launch. 

The private launch, in partnership with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade and the British High Commission, was intended to present the product to stakeholders and key industry leaders such as government officials, diplomats, regulators, and financiers.

While addressing the audience, the Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, Teniola Stuffman, stated that the country’s entry into Nigeria was driven by the goal of providing inclusive and high-quality 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. Our entry into the market is driven by this conviction,” she added.

On the problem Lebara wants to solve, the CEO said that the company seeks to address issues relating to service gaps, network outages, high data cost, data depletion and other persistent concerns raised by subscribers.

Also, the Chairman of the advisory board, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, noted that Lebara could attract about 1 million subscribers within its first year of official operation. He acknowledged the significance of telecom services as the key driver of an economy, giving connectivity to mobile services, the digital economy and everyday commerce.

He pledged that Lebara, which is currently a newbie in the county, will soon become a force in the coming years. Ashiru noted that Nigeria is an attractive economy to invest in due to its population and fast-growing youthful demography. 

Lebara Nigeria holds a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator licence, the highest category under Nigeria’s telecom regulatory framework. Aside from its telecom services, the UK-owned company plans to offer financial offerings in its line of products. 

Also Read: NCC licensed 46 MVNOs in two years but only 2 are operational. Here is why.

Lebara’s preparation for full launch

Lebara, alongside 45 other MNVOs, were licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 2023/2024 to provide access to mobile services to unserved and underserved areas nationwide. Since then, only two of them have launched.

For Lebara, it has been making plans to roll out its much-awaited service for Nigerians. In preparation for its full-scale operation, Lebara 

The company laid the groundwork in June by unveiling its dedicated 0724 number series and secured full interconnectivity with Airtel Nigeria and other mobile network operators. This marked a key requirement ahead of commercial rollout.

In January, the UK-owned company launched an Agent Registration Portal (ARP), a digital onboarding platform designed to expand its retail and point-of-sale (POS) operations nationwide. Through the platform, Lebara is creating awareness for its retail channel and creating collaborations with agents and POS operators.

The company has also launched a section on its website where Nigerians can pre-order, register and get a dedicated “072” phone number prior to its full operation. 

Although Lebara missed the third quarter of 2025 launch, the company is looking to fully roll out its services soon to further bridge Nigeria’s connectivity gap, especially in remote areas. 

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