President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has lauded the official unveiling of Lebara Nigeria, calling it a significant endorsement of the nation’s digital economy and a clear signal of its growing stature as a prime technology and investment hub in Africa.
n a statement on Saturday signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), 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.”
Highlighting the significance of the telecommunications sector, President Tinubu noted that it remains a major 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.”
The President commended the leadership of Lebara Nigeria, including Chief Executive Officer Mrs Teniola Stuffman, for their commitment to expanding telecom access, creating jobs, and strengthening Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
He said: “Investments of this nature are critical to deepening financial inclusion, enabling innovation, and accelerating economic growth.”
President Tinubu also acknowledged the presence and support of the British High Commission, represented by Deputy High Commissioner Mr Johny Baxter, adding that their participation “underscores the enduring economic and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.”
He further recognized the contributions of Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Chairman of Lebara Nigeria’s Advisory Board, and other board members, praising their leadership, expertise, and belief in Nigeria’s growth potential.
“Initiatives like Lebara Nigeria contribute meaningfully to job creation, youth empowerment, enterprise development, and broader economic diversification,” he stated.
The President reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering “a stable, transparent, and investment-friendly environment where innovation and private enterprise can thrive,” while wishing Lebara Nigeria continued success as it begins commercial operations.
He 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, hosting a private soft launch and networking reception in Lagos 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 unveiled its dedicated 0724 number series and secured full interconnectivity with major mobile network operators, a key requirement ahead of commercial 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.”
