IMBIL Telecom Solutions Ltd has entered into a strategic commercial agreement with Airtel Nigeria to support the growth of new mobile operators and deepen competition in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
The partnership is designed to provide the infrastructure backbone for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), enabling new entrants to launch services without the heavy capital investment typically required for telecom network deployment.
IMBIL, Nigeria’s pioneer Mobile Virtual Network Enabler and Aggregator (MVNE/A), confirmed that it has already onboarded five MVNOs, with several more operators in advanced stages of integration and expected to commence operations soon.
Speaking on the development, IMBIL’s Chairman and CEO, Akeem Ogunkoya, said the collaboration aims to lower barriers to entry for telecom startups and new service providers by offering scalable infrastructure and technology platforms.
The company’s MVNE platform delivers end-to-end services, including core network systems, billing, provisioning, regulatory compliance, and value-added services, allowing MVNOs to focus on customer acquisition and innovation rather than technical complexities.
Ogunkoya also commended the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), noting that its regulatory framework has been instrumental in fostering innovation and fair competition within the telecom industry.
The partnership aligns with broader efforts to expand digital inclusion and improve market penetration across Nigeria, particularly as demand grows for flexible, customer-centric mobile services. Industry analysts say the entry of more MVNOs could increase competition, improve service quality, and drive down costs for consumers, while also creating new opportunities for startups and enterprises in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.
