Another Telecom Launches in Nigeria with 0724 Phone Number, Plans to Sell Minutes, Not Airtime
- Another player has entered Nigeria’s competitive telecommunications sector as Lebara Nigeria launches its 0724 phone number
- The development marks a major step in the company’s strategic entry into Africa’s most populous market
- Other major players in the country include MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, who currently dominate the mobile network space
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Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
Lebara Nigeria, a subsidiary of the London-based Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Lebara, has officially secured the 0724 phone number series as it prepares to fully launch in Q3 2025.
The new development marks a major step in its strategic entry into the Nigerian telecom market.
Source: Getty Images
In a statement, the company said it has secured full interconnectivity with all major mobile network operators in the country.
This move will allow it to offer seamless voice and data services to customers from day one.
The company also stated that it is entering the market with the necessary infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and operational capacity to offer innovative and digitally driven telecom services nationwide.
Speaking on the launch, Akin Adesokan, the chief operating officer of Lebara Nigeria, said the company is ready to offer services that are not only accessible and high-quality but also inclusive and digitally driven.
Adesokan said in a statement:
“Our readiness with the 0724 series and full interconnect setup underscores our unwavering commitment to seamless integration, customer freedom, and market inclusivity.
Source: Getty Images
More information on Lebara Nigeria
Punch reports that Lebara Nigeria holds a Tier-5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licence, which allows it to offer a full range of telecom services.
The licence is also the highest category under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) regulatory framework.
As a Tier-5 MVNO, the company is authorised to lease infrastructure from existing networks and build its offerings on top.
The company added:
“This milestone reflects Lebara’s broader vision of enhancing user experience and deepening digital access in the telecommunications space, leveraging its global brand network effect."
How Lebara plans to dominate the market
The coming of Lebara is set to intensify the competition in the Nigerian telecom space, which currently serves over 220 million active mobile lines, according to NCC data.
To attract customers, Lebara wants to challenge traditional airtime sales by offering voice bundles and data packages tailored to specific user needs, Techcabal reports.
Samuel Alabi, Head of Corporate Communications at Lebara Nigeria, explained:
“You buy minutes, not airtime. If your call ends in 30 seconds, you still have 99 minutes and 30 seconds left. That’s the kind of clarity and control we are bringing to Nigerian telecoms.”
New players can drive down cost, expert says
In a chat with Legit.ng, Dr Ifeanyi Ubah, economist and head of research investment at Comercio Partners, said that the entry of new telecom companies into Nigeria's market holds significant promise for economic growth and sectoral transformation.
He said:
"With the sector already contributing approximately 12.45% to Nigeria's GDP, increased competition can further stimulate innovation, improve service delivery, and enhance consumer welfare.
"New entrants are likely to introduce competitive pricing models, as demonstrated by Lebara Nigeria's launch with a unique 0724 number series and transparent pricing. Such strategies can drive down costs for consumers and compel existing operators to enhance their offerings."
He said the expansion of telecom services can bridge the digital divide, particularly in underserved rural areas.
"Collaborations like Phase3 Telecom's partnership with YahClick to provide satellite broadband in northern Nigeria exemplify efforts to extend connectivity. These initiatives can foster inclusive economic development by facilitating access to digital services, education, and e-commerce."
Ubah, however, warned that challenges such as regulatory bottlenecks and infrastructure deficits must be addressed to ensure sustainable growth.
He added that the strategic policy reforms and investments in network infrastructure are essential to support the influx of new players and maximise the sector's potential.
Banks change USSD service billing system
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and other banks have announced that it has started charging customers for USSD services through their airtime.
The lender noted that the charge will now be deducted from customers’ airtime balances.
The new model was mandated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This article has been updated by the head of business desk, Victor Enengedi, with additional information.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
