Lebara Nigeria is planning an official launch in Q3 2025, and now has enabled number reservation portal for potential customers to secure their preferred mobile numbers as a pre-launch. The number reservation is for the purpose of attracting customers ahead of the official launch.
The telecom operator announced its entries into the Nigerian telecommunication market in June with carrier number prefix 0724. The company is a subsidiary company of the London-based global telecom operator Lebara Group.
The Lebara Nigeria number reservation works in sense that interested customers can now secure numbers with personal meaning, like birthdays, lucky digits, or easy-to-remember patterns. However, it's important to note that customers must be at least 13 years or older and share a few basic details before receiving a one-time password by email.
The sign up process is very easy. After receiving the OTP code, confirm it on the number reservation portal and proceed with submitting your National Identification Number (NIN). Lebara will use your NIN to verify your personal information including names and date of birth.
The number reservation portal opening is part Lebara's strategy to build momentum before its official launch in Nigeria. The company believes that enabling a pre-launch, it can attract early customers, generate buzz, collect customer data, build loyalty early, and differentiate itself from existing operators like MTN, GLO, Airtel, and T2—formerly 9Mobile.
Nigerian telecom market is crowded with big players. Lebara's number-reservation scheme will help the company to signal its customer-first approach. “Our objective is to synergise personalization with cutting-edge technology, thereby empowering customers to reserve numbers that align with their digital identity,” said Mary O. Akin-Adesokan, Lebara Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer.
Market Research Future (MRFR) reported the telecom market was worth $10.24 billion in 2024, rising to $10.77 billion in 2025, with projections reaching $17.13 billion by 2034 at a 5.2% CAGR. Lebara’s move into Africa’s largest telecom market lean on the same formula it has used successfully in Europe and other regions as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO).
The telecom is positioning itself as a credible alternative to price-sensitive customers—youths, students, and low-to-middle income groups—seeking affordable and high-quality mobile services. The company is leveraging its global MVNO expertise and technology-driven model to cut costs low and pricing competitive (minute-based billing)—similar to how it has catered to migrant communities in Europe.
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Lebara Nigeria Services at Launch
Lebara is preparing to enter the Nigerian telecom market with a mix of affordability, nationwide reach, and customer-first services. At launch, the company will provide full national coverage, seamless interconnectivity with existing networks, and its own dedicated 0724 number series.
Customers will be able to choose between traditional SIM cards and the modern eSIM option; these will make onboarding flexible and convenient potential customers and customers who have reserved their preferred phone numbers during the pre-launch era.
The operator has also formed a partnership with local government and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, with plans to establish public WiFi hubs to boost access for underserved communities.
These initiatives aim to support digital inclusion and empower Nigeria’s growing community of creators and entrepreneurs who live in out of coverage areas. In addition to that, the company's competitive edge lies in its promise of affordable tariffs, transparent real-time billing, and straightforward service.
The Lebara's competitive strategies are put in place for so that it can appeal to cost-conscious customers and those frustrated by hidden fees. The company hopes this approach will help it stand out in a market dominated by larger incumbents.
In addition to competitors that rely on big infrastructure, MVNO competitors like T2 and Vitel Wireless are already active in Nigeria’s emerging MVNO sector. T2—formerly 9mobile—is currently leveraging its wholesale network capacity to provide services customers with attractive retail offers while navigating its challenges.
On the other hand, Vitel offering community-focused and budget-friendly services to its customers. Except for the minute-based billing, there's no new scope Lebara is bringing to the market. So, for the telecom to gain traction in this market, it will need to extend its value proposition beyond its traditional strength in low-cost international calling and prove its relevance to Nigerian users.
The telecom has confirmed plans to launch full services before the end of Q3 2025.
