Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is set for increased competition following the entry of Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN), as the company begins operations in a market dominated by MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria.
STN’s Unified Access Service Licence (UASL), issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), became effective on October 1, 2026. The licence permits the company to provide mobile, voice, data, fixed and other telecommunications services.
NCC industry data showed that the four major operators had 194.86 million active subscriptions in July 2026. MTN accounted for 100.86 million subscriptions, representing 51.76 per cent of the market, while Airtel had 66.76 million, or 34.26 per cent. Globacom recorded 23.63 million, while T2, formerly 9mobile, had 3.61 million.
Together, MTN and Airtel accounted for 86.02 per cent of active subscriptions, leaving smaller operators to compete for the remaining share of the market.
STN’s entry comes as other players also seek opportunities in Nigeria’s evolving telecom industry. Lebara, for instance, began nationwide commercial operations in September through VAS2Nets Telecommunications Limited under a Mobile Virtual Network Operator licence.
Unlike operators that build and operate their own network infrastructure, MVNOs rely on existing telecom networks to provide services. STN, however, will face the more demanding task of developing infrastructure and building a substantial subscriber base.
STN’s Director of Legal and Regulatory Services, Yetunde Okafor, said the company would soon announce its strategic partnerships, infrastructure plans and initiatives for engaging investors and other stakeholders.
The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Oluwole Adetuyi, described the licence as a new phase in STN’s development, saying the operator plans to invest in telecommunications infrastructure, expand connectivity and work with Nigerian service providers, contractors and vendors.
The size of Nigeria’s telecom market offers a significant potential customer base, although active subscriptions do not represent unique individuals because many Nigerians operate multiple SIM cards.
STN will also have to contend with the costs associated with fibre networks, base stations, spectrum, power supply and maintenance, while existing operators continue to expand their networks and improve service quality.
With its licence now active, attention will shift to STN’s rollout plans, network coverage and ability to attract customers in a market where two established operators currently account for the vast majority of active mobile subscriptions.
