MTN, Airtel, Glo Get Rival as New Telco Begins Nationwide Operations, Offers Physical SIM, eSIM
- Nigeria's newest telecoms operator, Lebara, launched full commercial operations nationwide on Monday, September 14, 2026
- Customers can get Lebara SIM cards through more than 1,000 registered retail agents, including Slot stores, or via the My LebaraNG app
- Lebara is entering a market dominated by MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile as an MVNO using existing network infrastructure
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Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.
Nigeria's newest mobile operator, Lebara, has gone live nationwide, making its SIM cards available to the public through a network of retail outlets and registered agents across the country.
The company confirmed the launch in a statement on Monday, September 14, 2026, saying Nigerians can now pick up a physical SIM card or activate an eSIM through participating retailers.
Source: Twitter
Customers who prefer a digital process can also complete their Know Your Customer (KYC) verification remotely via the My LebaraNG application.
Teniola Stuffman, chief executive officer of Lebara Nigeria, said the go-live was a significant milestone for the company.
She said:
"We are excited to officially go live and make Lebara SIMs available to Nigerians. This is an important step for us as we begin to bring our services directly to customers.
"Our focus is on making connectivity simple and accessible while building digital experiences that give our customers more value."
Lebara said it had already brought more than 1,000 retail agents into its distribution network before launch, with Slot stores among the outlets where customers can access its services from day one.
What Lebara is offering
The initial service bundle covers mobile voice, SMS and data, alongside features such as usage tracking, cloud storage, Buy Now Pay Later options for eligible devices and access to LebaraPlay, the company's entertainment platform.
Nigerians interested in becoming distributors can register through Lebara's website as the company works to deepen its reach.
How Lebara fits into Nigeria's telecoms market
Lebara is entering as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), meaning it delivers services to customers using infrastructure owned by existing network operators rather than building its own.
This approach allows the company to compete on pricing, distribution and customer experience without the capital outlay that comes with constructing a full mobile network.
Source: Getty Images
The company's Nigerian operations are tied to VAS2Nets Telecommunications Limited, which holds a Tier 5 MVNO licence from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)., Punch reports.
That licence took effect in March 2024, and the brand-licensing agreement between Lebara and VAS2Nets was announced in May of the same year. Lebara later unveiled its 0724 number series and held a soft launch in Lagos in February 2026 before rolling out nationwide.
The operator now competes in a sector already occupied by MTN Nigeria, Airtel Africa's Nigerian business, Globacom and 9mobile.
MTN, Airtel, other telcos issue new notices
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) defended the controversial N6.98 USSD charge on banking transactions and responded to growing complaints over expired mobile data, insisting that telecom operators still bear the costs even when digital banking services fail.
The clarification comes amid rising frustration from subscribers of major telecom providers, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Glo, and 9mobile, over charges linked to USSD banking services and the expiration of unused data bundles.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
