As if 46 MVNOs Weren’t Enough: Nigeria’s Pioneering Telco, ntel, Is Plotting a Comeback

Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape is about to get a lot more competitive. As 46 new Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are poised to enter the market, ntel, the company formerly known as NITEL, is said to be planning a return from dormancy, according to Technology Times.

The pioneering telco is targeting a comeback in the first quarter of 2026, backed by a strategic N30 billion injection from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Once the dominant force in the pre-GSM era, providing both landline and mobile services, ntel fell into a long period of inactivity following the privatization of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

Despite being acquired by NatCom Development & Investment Limited in 2015 for $252.25 million, the company struggled to regain its footing. Now, AMCON is leading a revival effort, aiming to reintroduce ntel as an asset-light, infrastructure-centric competitor.

A key part of the revival plan is the appointment of Mr. Soji Maurice-Diya as the new CEO. He will take over from Adrian Wood, the former chief executive of MTN Nigeria. With extensive leadership experience across various sectors, including telecom infrastructure, oil, and technology, Maurice-Diya is expected to spearhead the company’s turnaround.

AMCON’s intervention is not just about financial stabilization; it’s also a move to rescue strategic national telecom assets. The plan aligns with the targets set by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to foster growth in the sector.

With its Unified Access Service license from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), ntel is exploring a cost-efficient MVNO model. This approach would allow the company to operate by leveraging the infrastructure of existing network operators.

This decision stems from a realistic analysis of the market. Competing directly with major players like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile, which collectively serve over 171 million lines, would require an estimated N7.68 trillion ($5 billion) in capital.

By adopting the MVNO model, ntel can focus on building its brand, enhancing customer experience, and offering differentiated services to specific segments, such as youth, fintech, and rural prepaid users, without the need for costly infrastructure.

The model fits perfectly with MTN Nigeria’s recent announcement, to move away from being a traditional mobile operator to a “network-as-a-service” company. By doing this, MTN Nigeria allows mobile virtual network operators and other MNOs to lease capacity on its network, similar to MTN’s operation in South Africa.

Despite its past setbacks, ntel still holds valuable assets, including key spectrum holdings, fiber-optic infrastructure inherited from NITEL, and landing rights on international submarine cables. These assets will support a broadband-first strategy designed to help bridge Nigeria’s digital divide.

The news of ntel’s potential comeback arrives at a critical time for Nigeria’s telecom sector. At the Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum in Lagos, industry stakeholders raised alarms about the future of MVNOs, predicting that up to half of the 46 licensed operators could fail within the next five years.

Chidi Ajuzie, director of USK Mobile, highlighted the harsh reality facing these new entrants. He noted that none of the licensed operators have fully launched their services. “Licenses are not cash cows,” Ajuzie said. “Too many people think that once you get a license, the money will start rolling in. The truth is, you must build infrastructure, study the market, and create services that meet consumer needs. Without that, many MVNOs will die out quickly.”

Olusola Teniola, director of IPNX, cautioned against blindly adopting foreign business models without adapting to Nigeria’s unique environment. He urged MVNOs to focus on underserved populations at the “bottom of the pyramid” instead of competing for urban smartphone users. Teniola also stressed the need for policies that protect local innovation and data sovereignty, ensuring that profits from the telecom sector remain within Nigeria.

While MVNOs in Nigeria have the potential to expand the telecom sector and increase consumer choice, their survival will depend on strategic planning, niche targeting, and a strong focus on local market realities, particularly in rural areas. The return of ntel as a major player could be a game-changer, but it will also face the same challenges as its new competitors.