Lebara Nigeria has officially announced the launch of its 0724 number series. The move, according to the company, is accompanied by full interconnectivity with all major mobile network operators in the country.
The announcement was made in a company statement released on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, where Lebara Nigeria confirmed that the infrastructure necessary to commence operations has been deployed.
The firm’s Chief Operating Officer, Akin Adesokan, said the development underlines Lebara’s commitment to creating a quality mobile experience for Nigerian users.
“Our readiness with the 0724 series and full interconnect setup underscores our unwavering commitment to seamless integration, customer freedom, and market inclusivity,” Adesokan said.
Lebara is a Digital-First Vision Backed by Global Credentials
Lebara’s Nigerian operation forms part of a larger global footprint. As a mobile provider in the UK, Lebara has built a reputation for affordable communication services across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
The company says it is entering the digital market with the goal to deliver innovative and digitally native telecom services tailored to Nigeria.
“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,” the company noted.
What It Means for Consumers
Lebara Nigeria enters the market as a Tier 5 Mobile Virtual Network Operator, which is the highest licensing category under the Nigerian Communications Commission’s regulatory framework.
This level of licensure gives Lebara the mandate to operate at the full scope of an MVNO, including:
- Granting Lebara the authority to operate at the highest level permitted under Nigeria’s telecom regulations.
- Allowing the company to deploy its own core network infrastructure while leveraging the spectrum of existing mobile network operators.
- Makes Lebara more than a digital-only provider, fully equipped to compete with Nigeria’s major telcos in both voice and data services.
- Users on the new 0724 number series can make and receive calls across all networks in Nigeria.
Implications for the Digital Economy
With Nigeria’s mobile market dominated by a few key players, including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, the entry of Lebara adds a fresh dynamic to the digital sector.
Industry analysts suggest that Lebara’s MVNO model could inject new competition into the market, especially in niche segments underserved by traditional carriers.
The introduction of the 0724 number series offers consumers a new identity on the network and is expected to appeal particularly to users seeking flexible, affordable, and data-centric plans.
As the company prepares for official commercial rollout, stakeholders will be watching to see how Lebara’s presence shapes pricing, innovation, and service delivery in Nigeria’s evolving telecom ecosystem.
Competitors Lebara Nigeria Is Up Against
As Lebara Nigeria enters the market, it faces stiff competition from dominant players that have shaped the country’s telecom landscape over the past two decades:
MTN Nigeria
MTN Nigeria is a subsidiary of South Africa’s MTN Group and remains the largest mobile network operator in the country.
With over 80 million subscribers, it commands the largest market share in Nigeria’s telecom sector. MTN is known for its nationwide coverage, and digital services.
Airtel Nigeria
Part of the Indian multinational Bharti Airtel, Airtel Nigeria entered the market initially as Econet, then Zain, and later rebranded to Airtel.
It is the second-largest operator, serving over 54 million subscribers. Airtel has focused on affordable data plans and strong presence in both urban and rural areas.
Globacom (Glo)
Nigeria’s indigenous mobile operator, Globacom was founded in 2003 by billionaire Mike Adenuga. Glo has consistently positioned itself as a value-driven network.
The company is known for competitive pricing, data-centric offers, and a strong fibre-optic backbone. It ranks third in subscriber base with over 20 million users as of April this year.
9mobile
Previously known as Etisalat Nigeria, 9mobile, Nigeria’s fourth-largest telecom operator, has seen its market share plummet to a historic low of 1.99%
Though the smallest of the four major operators, with around 3 million subscribers, 9mobile is seen catering to niche and urban markets with bespoke digital solutions.
