Lebara Nigeria hosts soft launch, targets commercial rollout
L-R : Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Advisory Board Chairman, Lebara Nigeria, Mrs Teniola Stuffman, CEO, Lebara Nigeria, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Soun of Ogbomoso, Ayo Stuffman, Group Managing Director Vas2net Technology and Mrs Mary Akin Adesokan, Chief Operating Officer, Lebara Nigeria at the soft launch and networking reception for Lebara entry into the Nigerian market.
Nike Popoola
Lebara Nigeria, in partnership with the UK Department for Business and Trade, has held a Soft Launch and Networking Reception in Lagos, marking its formal entry into the Nigerian telecommunications market.
The private event, held on Wednesday, convened senior government representatives, regulators, investors, and industry leaders to explore collaboration, innovation, and responsible investment within Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.
Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, Teniola Stuffman, described the company as a globally recognised brand focused on delivering affordable and reliable connectivity backed by strong customer experience. She said the company’s decision to enter the Nigerian market was driven by clear demand for smarter, value-driven network services.
According to her, the soft launch was designed as a high-level engagement platform to share Lebara’s vision and build strategic relationships ahead of its activation launch, which will formally introduce products and services to customers.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Ratheesan Yoganathan, said the company’s entry into Nigeria aims to strengthen the country’s global connectivity architecture and expand access to affordable digital services. He described Nigeria as a nation at a defining moment, with immense talent and ambition, but in need of more inclusive and globally connected digital access.
Lebara, a British-headquartered telecommunications brand, operates globally as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), offering prepaid and contract mobile services by leasing infrastructure from established operators rather than building its own network. In Nigeria, Lebara Nigeria has been licensed as a Tier 5 MVNO by the Nigerian Communications Commission and will operate in collaboration with Airtel Nigeria.
Yoganathan emphasised that regulatory compliance, quality of service, partnership, and long-term investment would define the company’s approach. He noted that the event was a signal of intent rather than a commercial rollout.
Ahead of its planned 2026 full launch, Lebara Nigeria has unveiled a dedicated 0724 number series and a Number Reservation Portal, allowing users to secure preferred phone numbers. It has also introduced an Agent Registration Portal to onboard retail partners, distributors, and POS operators nationwide.
The company said these initiatives, alongside active recruitment and localised operations, underscore its strategy to compete in Nigeria’s dynamic telecom sector with flexible pricing, transparent bundles, and digital-first solutions tailored to consumers and small businesses.
