President Bola Tinubu has welcomed the official launch of Lebara Nigeria, describing the entry of the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) as a strategic boost to Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy and telecommunications landscape.
In a State House press release, the President said the launch represents “a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy and its future as a leading technology and investment destination in Africa,” noting that the telecoms sector remains a critical driver of national economic growth.
According to the release, Nigeria’s telecoms industry recorded 5.78% year-on-year growth in Q3 2025, and now contributes over 14% to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), underscoring its central role in enabling digital connectivity, innovation and enterprise development.
President Tinubu commended the leadership of Lebara Nigeria, including its Chief Executive, Mrs Teniola Stuffman, for their commitment to expanding telecoms access, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure with the entry of the MVNO.
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He added that investments of this nature are critical to deepening financial inclusion, enabling innovation and accelerating economic growth, particularly as Nigeria scales its digital transformation agenda.
Tinubu also acknowledged the presence of the British High Commission at the launch, represented by Deputy High Commissioner Mr Johny Baxter, noting that the engagement reflects enduring economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He said such collaborations demonstrate Nigeria’s openness to responsible foreign investment and strategic global partnerships.
The President further recognised the role of the company’s advisory leadership, including Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, stating that their involvement signals confidence in Nigeria’s long-term growth potential.
“Initiatives like Lebara Nigeria contribute meaningfully to job creation, youth empowerment, enterprise development and broader economic diversification,” the President said, reiterating his administration’s commitment to fostering a stable, transparent and investment-friendly environment where innovation and private enterprise can thrive.
Lebara is an international telecommunications company best known for operating as an MVNO across multiple markets in Europe and beyond, providing mobile voice and data services without owning physical network infrastructure. The company partners with established mobile network operators to deliver services, a model that enables faster market entry and competitive pricing.
Lebara’s entry into Nigeria comes amid rising regulatory and investor interest in the MVNO segment, following the rollout of licensing for the market segment by the Nigerian Communications Commission, under the framework, designed to expand competition, improve service delivery and widen access to digital connectivity across the country.
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