President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has warmly welcomed the official launch of Lebara Nigeria, a UK-backed mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), describing it as a significant boost to the nation's thriving telecommunications sector and a testament to deepening economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
In a statement from the State House, President Tinubu commended Lebara's entry into Africa's largest telecom market, highlighting how such investments align with his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda to foster digital inclusion, innovation, and economic diversification.
"Lebara Nigeria's arrival marks an exciting milestone in our telecommunications landscape," President Tinubu said. "This UK-backed initiative not only brings fresh competition and customer-focused services but also reinforces the strong bilateral partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Our telecom sector remains a vibrant economic driver, recording impressive growth including 5.78 per cent year-on-year in Q3 2025 and continues to support job creation, youth empowerment, enterprise development, and the broader digital economy."
The soft launch of Lebara Nigeria took place in Lagos on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in partnership with the UK Department for Business and Trade and the British High Commission.
The event brought together government officials, diplomats, regulators, industry leaders, and stakeholders to celebrate the company's entry as an MVNO operating in collaboration with major local networks like Airtel Nigeria.
Lebara Nigeria, led by Chief Executive Officer Teniola Stuffman, aims to deliver affordable, reliable, and innovative connectivity solutions tailored to Nigerian consumers and the diaspora.
Following two years of market preparation including the introduction of the dedicated 0724 number series and full interconnectivity with existing operators the company is poised for a full commercial rollout, focusing on addressing challenges such as high data costs, unreliable service, and complex billing.
President Tinubu praised the regulatory reforms by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that enabled the MVNO framework, crediting them for attracting global players like Lebara. He noted that the launch underscores Nigeria's strategic importance as a hub for digital innovation and investment.
The President wished Lebara Nigeria continued success in its operations and encouraged ongoing collaboration between Nigerian and international partners to further expand access to quality telecommunications services.
This development comes amid strengthening Nigeria-UK relations, including anticipation for President Tinubu's forthcoming state visit to the United Kingdom, which is expected to open new avenues for trade, technology, and investment cooperation.