Lebara Nigeria, a division of the international telecom provider Lebara Group, based in London, has unveiled its Number Reservation Portal.
This portal allows customers to reserve their preferred numbers before the official launch in Q3 2025.
Based on the carrier’s 0724 prefix, the system lets users lock in combinations with special meanings, like birthdays, lucky numbers, or straightforward patterns.
After providing basic information, a one-time password is sent to users via email only if they are at least 13 years old.
After verification, the National Identification Number (NIN), which the system uses to validate personal information like birthdate, must be entered. Customers are then presented with a list of available numbers to select from, and the reservation is finalised with an email confirmation.
Lebara’s number reservation portal objective
Lebara claims that the goal of this action is customer empowerment and personalisation.
“Our objective is to synergise personalisation with cutting-edge technology, thereby empowering customers to reserve numbers that align with their digital identity,” said Mary O. Akin-Adesokan, Lebara Nigeria’s Chief Operating Officer.
Lebara is attempting to make a name for itself in Nigeria’s crowded telecom market by implementing the number-reservation scheme. The business is betting that early personalisation will foster customer loyalty and demonstrate its customer-first philosophy by letting users choose their numbers before the service’s launch.
Lebara’s competitive advantage
As a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) with a well-established presence in Europe and other regions, Lebara presents its entry into Nigeria as a reliable substitute for clients looking for reasonably priced, superior mobile services.
The company will use its global MVNO experience to maintain low costs and competitive pricing to run a lean, technology-driven model on the current network infrastructure.
Lebara will provide SIM and eSIM options, a dedicated 0724 number series, and nationwide coverage at launch.
In addition to providing connectivity, it collaborates with the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy and the local government to install public WiFi hubs and encourage digital inclusion for underprivileged communities and creators.
Affordability, transparent real-time billing, and a customer-first service approach are at the heart of its core offering, which aims to overtake competitors and gain market share.
Potential rivalry to Lebara’s entry
Nonetheless, Lebara’s entry will face fierce competition. In Nigeria’s developing MVNO market, T2 (formerly 9mobile) and Vitel Wireless are fierce rivals, each with advantages.
To maintain its competitive edge, T2 (formerly 9mobile), a well-known mobile network operator with wholesale capacity, facilitates MVNO partnerships and protects its subscriber base with alluring retail offerings.
Price-conscious consumers and marginalised communities are drawn to Vitel Wireless’ focus on accessible, community-driven connectivity and digital services. To gain local relevance, Lebara must transcend its conventional strength in low-cost international calling, which together reduces its differentiation space.
With Lebara’s confirmed plans to launch complete services before the end of Q3 2025, Nigerian consumers will have even more mobile options.