Nigeria’s newest telecommunications operator, Lebara, has commenced commercial operations nationwide, expanding competition in the country’s mobile telecommunications market.
The company announced the development on Monday, September 14, 2026, saying customers can now obtain Lebara SIM cards through participating retail outlets and registered agents across the country.
Lebara said customers can choose between physical SIM cards and eSIMs, while Know Your Customer verification can be completed remotely through its My LebaraNG application. In-person onboarding is also available through its retail network, including participating Slot stores.
The launch marks the transition of Lebara from regulatory preparation and market testing to full commercial availability in Nigeria.
The Chief Executive Officer of Lebara Nigeria, Teniola Stuffman, said the company was focused on making mobile connectivity accessible while providing digital services for customers.
Lebara said its initial services include mobile voice calls, SMS and data, alongside features such as usage tracking, cloud storage, Buy Now, Pay Later options for eligible devices and access to its mobile entertainment platform, LebaraPlay.
The company also disclosed that more than 1,000 registered retail agents had joined its distribution network, with plans to expand access to its services across the country.
Lebara is operating in Nigeria under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model. Unlike conventional mobile network operators that build and operate their own nationwide radio infrastructure, MVNOs provide services using infrastructure supplied by host network operators.
According to the report, Lebara’s Nigerian operation is linked to VAS2Nets Telecommunications Limited, which holds a Tier 5 MVNO licence issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The licence commenced in March 2024, while Lebara and VAS2Nets announced their brand-licensing partnership in May of the same year. Lebara later unveiled the 0724 number series and conducted a soft launch in Lagos in February 2026.
The nationwide rollout now makes the company’s services commercially available to consumers across Nigeria.
Lebara said its asset-light, software-driven model is intended to compete in areas including pricing, distribution, customer experience and digital services, while allowing the company to operate without building a nationwide mobile radio network.
The development adds another operator to Nigeria’s competitive telecommunications sector, which includes established providers such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and 9mobile.
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