‘Fed Govt to harness tech for growth’
The Federal Government has said the entry of Lebara Nigeria into the telecommunications market aligns with its broader strategy to harness technology for growth in the creative, cultural and tourism
The Federal Government has said the entry of Lebara Nigeria into the telecommunications market aligns with its broader strategy to harness technology for growth in the creative, cultural and tourism sectors.
Speaking at the soft launch of the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in Lagos, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, said the development underscored the expanding role of digital infrastructure in supporting Nigeria’s creative economy and widening access to opportunities.
Musawa said the event went beyond the unveiling of a new telecoms brand, noting that it reflected the potential of public-private collaboration to unlock value across arts, culture and tourism.
According to her, the ministry is already engaging Lebara under an existing understanding aimed at leveraging technology to empower creatives, improve market access and stimulate sustainable economic activity.
She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with credible private sector partners to reposition the creative economy as a key contributor to national growth, jobs and global competitiveness.
Lebara’s soft launch was attended by government officials, regulators, diplomats and industry leaders, and held in partnership with the UK Department for Business and Trade and the British High Commission.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, described the company’s entry as a sign of deepening UK–Nigeria cooperation in the digital economy.
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Baxter said Nigeria’s MVNO licensing framework, driven by regulatory reforms and initiatives of the Nigerian Communications Commission, had helped lower barriers to entry and encourage innovation, adding that affordable and reliable connectivity is now critical infrastructure for inclusive growth.
Industry stakeholders also welcomed the development. Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, said MVNOs could deepen access and inclusion, particularly in underserved communities.
Lebara Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Teniola Stuffman, said the company’s market entry followed two years of preparation and would focus on affordability, transparency and customer experience, operating in partnership with Airtel Nigeria.
Financial institutions, including Zenith Bank, indicated readiness to support credible investments in the telecoms sector.
Stakeholders said Lebara’s entry reflects the intersection of regulatory reform, private investment and government policy, reinforcing the role of digital connectivity in advancing Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
