Lebara

Lebara Nigeria, the local arm of London-based Lebara Group, is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) holding a Tier 5 licence, the highest category under Nigeria's framework. It launched nationwide on September 14, 2026, after a soft launch in Lagos in February 2026. It is the second MVNO to launch under the country's current framework, and its first entry into the African market. The Nigerian operation is managed by VAS2Nets Telecommunications Limited, and Teniola Stuffman is CEO.

Rather than build towers or hold spectrum, Lebara delivers voice and data over Airtel Nigeria's network, focusing on pricing, distribution and customer experience. Its digital-first model offers physical SIMs, eSIMs and self-onboarding through the My LebaraNG app, plus the distinctive 0724 number prefix. More than 1,000 registered retail agents, including Slot stores, support distribution.

Lebara also draws on 25 years of building its business around diaspora customers, in a market where remittances approach $20 billion a year. It is targeting 1 million subscribers within its first year of official operation.

The challenge is steep: most of the 46 MVNO licences issued remain dormant or pre-launch, and Vitel Wireless has struggled to attract users at scale. Still, Lebara's long preparation makes it a key test of Nigerian MVNO competition in 2027.