President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the official launch of Lebara Nigeria, calling it a strong vote of confidence in the country’s digital economy and its prospects as a top technology and investment hub in Africa.
In a statement issued Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said: “I congratulate Lebara Nigeria on its official launch. This milestone reflects confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy and underscores the nation’s potential to lead in technology and investment across Africa.”
Emphasising the importance of the telecommunications sector, Tinubu said it remains a key economic driver, “with a 5.78 per cent year-on-year growth in Q3 2025 and an overall contribution of over 14 per cent to the nation’s GDP.”
He praised the company’s leadership, including Chief Executive Officer Mrs Teniola Stuffman, for efforts to broaden telecom access, generate employment, and strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
According to him, “Investments of this nature are critical to deepening financial inclusion, enabling innovation, and accelerating economic growth.”
The President also acknowledged the presence of the British High Commission, represented by Deputy High Commissioner Mr Johny Baxter, noting their participation “underscores the enduring economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.”
He further recognised Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman of the company’s Advisory Board, along with other board members, commending their leadership and confidence in Nigeria’s growth potential.
“Initiatives like Lebara Nigeria contribute meaningfully to job creation, youth empowerment, enterprise development, and broader economic diversification,” he stated.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building “a stable, transparent, and investment-friendly environment where innovation and private enterprise can thrive,” and wished the company success as it begins commercial operations. He also encouraged “continued collaboration between the public and private sectors to advance Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.”
Lebara Nigeria formally signalled its entry into Africa’s largest telecoms market on Wednesday with a private soft launch and networking reception in Lagos, held in partnership with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade and the British High Commission.
The launch follows groundwork laid in June last year when the company introduced its dedicated 0724 number series and secured full interconnectivity with major mobile network operators ahead of rollout.
Speaking at the Lagos event, CEO Teniola Stuffman said: “Nigeria stands at a defining moment, a nation of extraordinary talent, resilience, and ambition, yet millions require more inclusive, more affordable, more globally connected digital access. Our entry into the market is driven by this conviction.”
