UK-Backed Lebara Storms Nigeria’s Telecom Market, Unveils 0724 Number Series
- Lebara has marked its formal entry into Nigeria's telecom market with a private launch and UK diplomatic support
- Company aims to connect diaspora and domestic users through innovative services and strategic partnerships
- Lebara plans to introduce microloans and cultural initiatives to support Nigeria's economy and creative sectors
Pascal Oparada is a journalist with Legit.ng, covering technology, energy, stocks, investment, and the economy for over a decade.
UK-backed telecom brand Lebara has formally stepped into Nigeria’s fiercely competitive telecommunications market, signalling what could become a significant shift in the industry’s landscape.
The company marked its arrival on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, with a private soft launch and networking reception in Lagos, held in partnership with the UK Department for Business and Trade and the British High Commission.
Source: Twitter
The event drew senior government officials, regulators, investors, and telecom industry leaders, reflecting the diplomatic and commercial backing behind Lebara’s Nigerian debut.
0724 number series goes live
According to a Punch report, Lebara’s formal launch builds on the groundwork laid in June 2025, when the company unveiled its dedicated 0724 number series and confirmed full interconnectivity with major mobile network operators nationwide.
That interconnectivity milestone was crucial, clearing a regulatory and technical hurdle ahead of full commercial rollout. With the 0724 series now in place, the company is positioning itself to compete for Nigeria’s vast and youthful subscriber base.
A tier 5 MVNO with big ambitions
Lebara Nigeria holds a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licence, the highest category under Nigeria’s telecom framework.
Operating as an MVNO means the company does not build its own nationwide infrastructure but instead leases network capacity.
In Nigeria, Lebara is leveraging infrastructure through a strategic partnership with Airtel Nigeria, allowing it to focus on service innovation, global connectivity, and customer experience rather than heavy capital expenditure.
This model has helped shape Lebara’s footprint across the United Kingdom, Europe, and parts of the Middle East, where the brand is known for serving diaspora communities and international callers.
“A defining moment” for digital access
Chief Executive Officer Teniola Stuffman described Nigeria as standing at a pivotal point in its digital journey. She said millions still require more inclusive, affordable, and globally connected telecom services despite the country’s enormous talent and ambition.
According to her, Lebara’s operating philosophy revolves around a “Telco Trinity” of reliability, affordability, and customer-centric service. She stressed that connectivity today goes far beyond voice calls, serving as a gateway to education, commerce, and global participation in the digital economy.
Connecting Nigeria to the world
A core plank of Lebara’s strategy is diaspora connectivity. The company plans to leverage its international footprint to strengthen cross-border communication, roaming services, and trade flows between Nigerians at home and abroad.
With millions of Nigerians living overseas and remittance inflows playing a key role in the economy, Lebara sees an opportunity to act as a bridge linking domestic users to global markets.
Beyond telecom: Finance and creative support
Lebara is also looking beyond traditional telecom services. The company disclosed plans to introduce microloans, device financing, Lebara-powered internet hubs, and culture-driven events designed to support Nigeria’s arts, tourism, and creative sectors.
By blending connectivity with financial and cultural initiatives, the operator aims to carve out a differentiated identity in a crowded market.
A new chapter in Nigeria’s telecom race
With regulatory approvals secured, infrastructure partnerships established, and diplomatic backing visible, Lebara Nigeria now joins an expanding telecom ecosystem hungry for innovation.
Source: UGC
Whether the 0724 rollout triggers fresh competition or reshapes pricing dynamics remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that Lebara’s entry is more than symbolic. It signals a calculated bet on Nigeria’s digital future and its growing importance in global connectivity.
Nigeria’s newest telecom operator announces services
Legit.ng earlier reported that Vitel Wireless, a new entrant in Nigeria’s telecoms market, has launched its nationwide communication service.
The newest telecommunication provider is offering businesses free internal calls and SMS as part of its strategy to attract corporate users and small businesses.
The company unveiled its service at a recent event attended by business leaders, SME owners and industry professionals.
Source: Legit.ng
