The Chief Executive Officer of ntel, Soji Maurice-Diya, says the once-dormant Nigerian telecoms brand will officially return to the nation’s telecommunications market in the first quarter of 2026.
Mr. Maurice- Diya said this would be done under a renewed strategy that positions it as a “digital-first, infrastructure-light MVNO focused on innovation, inclusion, and sustainability ”
The disclosure came during the latest edition of the Technology Times Thought Leadership Series.
The TT Thought Leadership series is a platform that convenes decision-makers shaping Nigeria’s digital transformation to share insights, foresight, and lessons from the frontlines of technology and policy innovation.
The ntel CEO who leads NatCom Development & Investment Limited (trading as ntel),said the company’s re-entry marks “the beginning of a new chapter not just for ntel, but for Nigeria’s telecoms industry as a whole ”
He explained that the re-launch will embody a leaner, smarter, and innovation-driven approach that leverages digital platforms, partnerships, and policy opportunities to serve underserved and value-conscious segments of the market.
“We are not returning to be another operator chasing millions of subscribers. We are coming back to serve a new generation of Nigerians who value innovation, efficiency, and authenticity in their digital experience.”
“Our comeback will be defined by focus, speed, and value creation” Maurice Diya said.
The New ntel’s Focus: Infrastructure-light, Innovation-heavy
Detailing ntel’s re-entry strategy, Maurice-Diya revealed that the company will operate a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) model, an “infrastructure-light, innovation-heavy” approach that prioritises digital service delivery, speed to market, and customer experience.
“We’re coming back with a smaller, smarter play; our strategy focuses on partnership over ownership, platforms over towers, and experiences over expansion”
According to him, ntel will leverage existing wholesale network agreements and spectrum-sharing arrangements to deliver innovative data, content, and enterprise solutions without duplicating infrastructure.
“We have learned that success in the modern telecoms landscape is not about how much spectrum you own, it’s about how intelligently you use it,” he said.
Ntel Plans And Youths
The ntel boss said that the company’s focus will be on youth-driven digital inclusion, affordable data, and next-generation digital services that bridge Nigeria’s innovation divide.
“Our youths are digital natives. They are the most connected, most creative, and most ambitious generation in our history. ntel will be their platform to learn, build, and thrive in the new digital economy,” he affirmed.
Telecoms and the Digital Economy Nexus
Maurice-Diya situated ntel’s return within the broader context of Nigeria’s evolving digital economy strategy, which envisions technology as a key driver of national competitiveness.
“Telecoms is the spine of the digital economy. Without robust connectivity, digital transformation cannot scale,” he said.
According to Maurice-Diya, “The task before us is to ensure that this connectivity becomes universal, affordable, and empowering ”
“Our goal is to become a symbol of renewal in Nigeria’s telecoms journey,” he said. “We want ntel to be remembered as the brand that came back to redefine what it means to be connected in Africa’s largest digital market ”
He added that ntel’s legacy will not be measured by subscriber numbers but by the impact it creates in enabling inclusion, innovation, and opportunity.
“We are building a company that listens more, partners more, and innovates faster. That’s our north star,” he concluded.
A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Telecoms Industry
The ntel CEO’s reinforced the view that Nigeria’s telecoms sector is entering a new phase, one where growth will depend less on scale and more on innovation, sustainability, and human capacity.
Industry observers say ntel’s comeback adds renewed excitement to Nigeria’s telecoms landscape, which is witnessing increasing convergence between connectivity, digital services, and fintech innovation.
With its upcoming relaunch, ntel aims to position itself not as a legacy operator seeking recovery, but as a digital challenger brand focused on “doing fewer things better.”
About Technology Times Thought Leadership Series
The Technology Times Thought Leadership Series is a knowledge-sharing platform hosted by Technology Times, Nigeria’s trusted voice on technology innovation and digital transformation since 2004.
The Series features one-on-one interviews, panel discussions, and insights from business and policy leaders shaping Nigeria’s digital future. It serves as a bridge between innovation, industry, and informed public discourse.
