President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially commended the Lebara Nigeria launch, describing the telecom operator’s entry into the local market as a major boost to Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
Speaking during a high level briefing on developments within the communications sector, the President stated that the arrival of Lebara reflects growing international investor confidence in Nigeria’s business climate. He emphasized that telecommunications remains a critical engine of economic growth, providing infrastructure essential for innovation, employment generation, and the global competitiveness of small and medium scale enterprises.
According to President Tinubu, the Lebara Nigeria market entry aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places strong emphasis on digital transformation and nationwide connectivity across all 36 states. He noted that the telecom sector has made notable contributions to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product in recent quarters and has remained resilient despite global economic uncertainties.
The President expressed optimism that the introduction of another global operator would strengthen competition within the industry. He added that increased competition is expected to improve service quality, lower data costs, and expand broadband access, particularly in rural and underserved areas currently facing connectivity challenges.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy also welcomed the development, explaining that recent Ease of Doing Business reforms have been tailored to attract investment into the technology and telecommunications sectors. These reforms include streamlined licensing procedures and stronger regulatory measures designed to protect both operators and consumers.
He disclosed that the ministry is collaborating closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission to ensure that industry standards remain high as more operators enter the market. The Lebara Nigeria launch, he said, demonstrates that Nigeria remains an attractive destination for foreign direct investment in digital infrastructure.
Industry analysts suggest that Lebara’s entry under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator model could stimulate innovation in value added services. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the company is expected to introduce competitive packages targeted at Nigeria’s youthful population and rapidly growing gig economy.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining a level playing field for all telecom operators. He reiterated the government’s ambition to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading digital hub through sustained investment in broadband expansion and emerging technologies.
The Federal Government also assured stakeholders that efforts are ongoing to eliminate barriers affecting fiber optic deployment and the nationwide rollout of 5G networks. The President encouraged additional international investors to explore opportunities within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem, pledging continued government partnership. READ ALSO Dubai Under Fire: Iranian Missiles Breach Air Defense, Resort Hit
With the telecom sector supporting millions of indirect jobs across fintech, e commerce, and logistics, the expansion of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is widely regarded as a key driver of sustainable economic growth and long term national development.