No Airtime, Just Minutes: Lebara Nigeria Redefines Voice Services with 0724 Rollout

A new telecommunications player, Lebara Nigeria, has entered the Nigerian market with the launch of its unique 0724 number series, setting the stage for increased competition in the sector currently dominated by MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile.

Lebara Nigeria, a subsidiary of the UK-based Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Lebara, announced that it has secured full interconnectivity with all major mobile networks in Nigeria, enabling it to deliver seamless voice and data services from launch.

The company holds a Tier 5 MVNO license—the highest level of authorization under the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)—which allows it to lease infrastructure from existing operators and offer a full suite of telecom services.

According to the Chief Operating Officer, Akin Adesokan, the company aims to introduce clarity and control to telecom pricing. “You buy minutes, not airtime. If your call ends in 30 seconds, you still have 99 minutes and 30 seconds left,” Adesokan said, highlighting the company’s value proposition.

With over 220 million active mobile lines in Nigeria, Lebara is targeting a sizable market. The company said its strategy focuses on accessibility, inclusivity, and customer-centric digital services, leveraging its global brand presence to offer innovation in voice and data delivery.

In addition to launching with the 0724 number series, Lebara’s infrastructure and service model is expected to push traditional operators to enhance their offerings in response to the new competition.