Weekly Recap: Big Moves in Nigeria’s Tech and Telecom Space

Nigeria’s digital transformation is hitting full stride, with key developments in telecom, education, credit reform, and space-tech. From sector revivals to virtual network rollouts, here are the top five stories shaking up the week — each a signal of the country’s pivot towards smarter, faster, and more inclusive systems.

Nigeria’s Telecom Industry Makes a Big Comeback

After years of dwindling growth due to forex pressures and infrastructure setbacks, Nigeria’s telecom sector is bouncing back stronger than ever. With new tariff policies in place, operators have started reinvesting in their networks, signalling the start of a new era. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says these changes are already impacting GDP.

Dr Aminu Maida, NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, explained that while revenue remained high in recent years, operators were still reporting heavy losses due to foreign exchange-linked debts. These debts crippled service quality and halted expansion efforts across the country.

But thanks to a recent tariff adjustment, operators are now regaining profitability and stability. Dr Maida hinted that 2025 could usher in Nigeria’s biggest telecom investments yet, with millions of subscribers likely to benefit from better service quality and faster digital innovation. The sector’s revival is also expected to bolster broader economic development through job creation, improved infrastructure, and digital services like mobile banking.

Satellite Partnership Could End Nigeria’s Tower Dependence

In a bold leap forward, Nigeria has entered into a satellite agreement with Galaxy Space, a top Chinese satellite firm, to bring Direct-to-Device (D2D) communication to the country. This means mobile devices could soon connect directly to satellites, removing the need for traditional cell towers — a potential game-changer for connectivity in remote areas.

The partnership, signed by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), is expected to roll out fully by the end of 2025. According to NASRDA’s Director-General, Dr Matthew Adepoju, this move aims to bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural regions that have long been underserved.

Beyond better access, the deal also carries a local innovation angle. Nigerian engineers will be trained to co-develop and operate a miniaturised CubeSat, paving the way for Nigeria to become a producer of space technology rather than just a consumer. Galaxy Space also sees Nigeria as a launchpad for expanding D2D tech across Africa.

Nigeria’s Student Loan Platform Goes Fully Digital

Students across Nigeria can now apply for educational loans through a fully digital process, as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has upgraded its Student Loan Application System (SLAS). The new system requires tertiary institutions to onboard themselves onto the platform to facilitate seamless student data verification.

Institutions are being urged to act fast. Any delay in registering with the digital platform could hinder students’ access to the loans. Schools must submit formal requests to NELFUND and verify student data before any disbursement can be made, according to the Fund’s communications director, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

This reform is part of President Bola Tinubu’s wider education reform agenda and aligns with the Access to Higher Education Act, which aims to make higher learning more accessible to low-income Nigerians. By replacing the old paper-based system with real-time dashboards and digital processing, the new SLAS platform promises speed, transparency, and greater inclusion.

Lebara Launches 0724 Series in Nigerian Telecom Market

Lebara Nigeria has officially gone live with its 0724 number series, making its mark as a new player in Africa’s largest telecom market. With a Tier 5 MVNO licence, Lebara is now fully authorised to deliver mobile services by leasing infrastructure from other operators—essentially functioning as a digital-first virtual network.

The 0724 rollout comes with full interconnectivity to all existing major carriers, ensuring users can make calls and access data without any hiccups. Akin Adesokan, Lebara Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer, described the launch as part of the firm’s commitment to inclusivity, integration, and competitive customer experiences.

Lebara’s strategy revolves around serving underrepresented segments of the population — particularly migrants and low-income earners — with simple, flexible plans. With global backing and tech-driven infrastructure, the company is positioning itself as a disruptor in a market long dominated by a handful of traditional telcos.

Government Links Loan Repayments to NIN in Credit Reform Drive

Nigeria’s Federal Government is cracking down on loan defaults by tying borrower credit history directly to the National Identification Number (NIN). This new system, managed by the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), will allow all lenders to report and track the credit performance of individuals in real time.

Unpaid loans will soon carry serious consequences — including restricted access to passports, driver’s licences, and even rental agreements. Uzoma Nwagba, CREDICORP’s Managing Director, explained that the reform will help curb corruption by enabling more Nigerians to access legitimate credit with confidence and traceability.

Part of this new direction includes a youth-targeted initiative called YouthCred, set to launch with 400,000 NYSC beneficiaries. The programme is designed to foster responsible borrowing habits and create a new generation of financially empowered citizens. According to CREDICORP, Nigeria needs around ₦183 trillion in credit to unlock full-scale economic development — and private sector participation will be key.