Nigeria is located in West Africa, with a diverse geography that spans from the coastal swamps in the south, to the Sahel savannah in the north, posing unique infrastructural challenges. Its population of over 215 million people is unevenly distributed, with a high concentration in urban areas such as Lagos, Kano and Ibadan, and less in the rural areas. This uneven spread influences the access to, and distribution of, technology and telecommunications facilities. Nigeria possesses six geopolitical zones, each with distinct characteristics that influence technological uptake and infrastructure. Infrastructure solutions in Nigeria have been somewhat innovative, particularly in the technology and telecommunications sectors, with mobile money and bespoke solar energy solutions being notable examples. Despite these strides, the sectors are still developing, with challenges such as inconsistent power supply, inadequate broadband penetration, and a significant digital divide between urban and rural areas.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 11 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
9mobile is a prominent telecommunications network that operates within Nigeria. The company was originally established in 2001 as EMTS Limited and later rebranded as 9mobile following a change in ownership. In 2018, Teleology Holdings, led by Adrian Wood, former CEO of MTN Nigeria, acquired a majority stake in the company. However, Teleology exited its stake in the company in 2019.
Previously owned and branded as Etisalat, in July 2017 the company launched its new brand identity – 9mobile, with an unveiling of the new name and logo.
Bitflux is a telecommunications company that operates within the borders of Nigeria. Established in 2014, the company is a consortium, jointly owned by Superflux International, a Nigerian security printing company, and VOX Spectrum Limited, a global telecommunications service provider based in Dubai. Bitflux was awarded a 2.3GHz spectrum licence by the Nigerian Communications Commission, enabling it to provide wholesale broadband services across the country.
Cyberspace is a telecommunications company based in Nigeria. Founded in 1995, the company has established itself as a leading provider of internet services in the region. Cyberspace is privately owned, with a diverse board of directors overseeing its operations. The company provides a range of services including broadband internet, cloud services, and software development.
InterC Network is a telecommunications company operating in Nigeria. Founded in 2016, it is owned by Transsion Holdings, a Chinese multinational known for its leading role in consumer electronics and telecommunications. InterC Network distinguishes itself by offering a wide array of services, including 4G LTE, broadband, and voice services, to both individual and corporate clients in Nigeria. The company's mission is to provide high-quality, affordable services that meet the evolving needs of its customers.
ntel is a telecommunications network operator that is based in Nigeria. The company was established in 2016 following the acquisition and subsequent rebranding of the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and its mobile subsidiary, MTEL by NatCom Development and Investment Limited. The ownership of ntel NatCom is held by NatCom Development and Investment Limited, a Nigerian incorporated company.
Smile Nigeria is a prominent telecommunications network provider based in Nigeria. The company was established in 2007, with the primary focus of delivering high-quality, reliable and easy-to-use broadband services across the country. The ownership of Smile Nigeria is a blend of Nigerian and international investors, including Al Nahla Group, a Saudi Arabian company, which holds a majority stake.
Spectranet is a telecommunications company that operates in Nigeria. The company, established in 2009, is a pioneer in the Internet Service Provider (ISP) industry in Nigeria and was the first to launch 4G LTE internet service in the country. Spectranet is owned by the Shyam Group, an Indian multinational telecom solutions provider, and operates under the corporate entity, Shyam Spectra Pvt Ltd. The company's primary focus is on providing affordable and faster internet services to Nigerian homes and businesses.
Swift Networks is a telecommunications company operating in Nigeria. The company was established in 2002 with a focus on providing broadband services and internet solutions. Swift Networks is privately owned, with the majority of its shares held by its founders and a number of private equity firms. The company has been instrumental in the growth of Nigeria's telecommunications sector, contributing significantly to the country's digital economy. Swift Networks operates primarily in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub, providing services to both individual consumers and businesses.