IMBIL Telecom, Airtel partnership opens door for new MVNOs in Nigeria

Nigeria’s telecommunications sector is set for increased competition and innovation following a strategic commercial agreement between IMBIL Telecom Solutions Ltd and Airtel Nigeria, a move that has already enabled the onboarding of five Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) into the market.

The agreement positions IMBIL Telecom, Nigeria’s pioneer Mobile Virtual Network Enabler/Aggregator (MVNE/A), at the centre of efforts to deepen digital inclusion and lower barriers for new telecom operators seeking entry into the country’s fast-growing communications industry.

The company disclosed that several additional MVNOs are currently in advanced stages of integration and are expected to commence operations in the coming months, signaling a new phase of expansion in Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem.

Speaking on the development, Akeem Ogunkoya, chairman and chief executive officer of IMBIL Telecom, described the partnership with Airtel Nigeria as a major milestone that would provide aspiring operators with access to world-class infrastructure and scalable technology platforms.

“As the pioneer MVNE/A in the Nigerian telecom market, our mission is to lower the barrier to entry for aspiring telecom operators. Our partnership with Airtel Nigeria provides a solid foundation for MVNOs to thrive, leveraging world-class infrastructure and scalable technology,” Ogunkoya said.

He added that the onboarding of five MVNOs demonstrates growing confidence in the company’s infrastructure and operational capabilities, while also highlighting increasing investor interest in Nigeria’s telecom services market.

Ogunkoya also commended the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for creating a supportive regulatory environment for MVNO operations, noting that the Commission’s policies have encouraged innovation, fair competition, and broader participation in the telecom industry.

Industry analysts say the emergence of more MVNOs could help drive affordable and customer-focused telecom services, especially in underserved areas where consumers demand greater flexibility and tailored digital solutions.

IMBIL Telecom’s MVNE/A platform provides end-to-end support services for operators, including core network infrastructure, billing systems, provisioning, regulatory compliance assistance, and value-added service integration. The company said this model allows MVNOs to concentrate on customer acquisition, branding, and product innovation while relying on a stable backend infrastructure.

The partnership with Airtel Nigeria also reflects a shared commitment to expanding network reach and accelerating digital access across the country, particularly as demand for mobile connectivity and data-driven services continues to rise.

With Nigeria’s telecom market becoming increasingly competitive, stakeholders believe collaborations between infrastructure providers and virtual operators could unlock fresh opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups, and enterprises looking to establish niche telecom brands without the heavy capital expenditure associated with traditional network deployment.

IMBIL Telecom said it remains committed to supporting the next generation of telecom operators through adaptable commercial frameworks, advanced technology solutions, and operational support aimed at strengthening the country’s digital economy.