The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has awarded Swift Telephone Network Limited, STN, a Unified Access Service Licence, UASL.Â
STN says the licence marks its move from a telephone call service that ran under an umbrella structure to an independent telecoms operator. The company plans to build digital infrastructure across the country.
“This UASL is not just a licence. It is a new chapter,” said STN’s Chief Executive Officer, Oluwole Adetuyi. “It represents where we started, what we have endured, how we have evolved, and where we are going. We are building in Nigeria, for Nigeria.”
The company started out offering basic telephone services. It says it has since come through changing economic conditions, shifting regulations and market pressures to become a full-service operator.
Adetuyi said the licence shows that Nigerian businesses can last.
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“They can evolve, compete globally, and build institutions of lasting value from Nigeria,” he said. “At a time when the digital economy is central to national growth, STN is proof that local ambition, backed by resilience, can deliver world-class infrastructure.”
Local content at the centre
STN says it plans to build what it calls “a truly Nigerian telecommunications ecosystem.” Its plans include skills development: training Nigerian engineers, technicians and digital professionals; local partnerships: giving priority to Nigerian service providers, contractors and vendors across the value chain; global collaboration: working with international technology partners to build local technical skills.
It also plans a robust infrastructure rollout, building telecoms infrastructure to widen access and close the digital divide; providing jobs and enterprise by creating direct jobs and openings for Nigerian entrepreneurs in distribution, retail and support services.
STN plans to increase Nigerian ownership and leadership in the telecoms value chain.
“Our ambition is simple: to help build Nigeria’s digital economy from the ground up,” Adetuyi said. “This licence gives us the platform. Nigerian talent, Nigerian partners, and Nigerian innovation will give us the momentum.”
Next steps
STN says it will announce strategic partnerships, infrastructure rollout plans, and programmes for investors and stakeholders in the coming weeks as it begins commercial operations under the licence.
The UASL is issued by the NCC. It allows the holder to provide a full range of telecoms services, including fixed, mobile, voice and data, anywhere in Nigeria.
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