Swift Telephone Network awarded a Unified Access Service Licence by the NCC

Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN) has been awarded a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as it joins Nigeria's fast-growing telecommunications industry.

The UASL authorises STN to provide a comprehensive range of telecommunications services across Nigeria, including fixed, mobile, voice and data. It marks STN's formal evolution from its beginnings as a telephone call service operating under an umbrella structure into an independent Nigerian telecommunications company, positioned to build the next generation of digital infrastructure in the country.

STN's journey mirrors the story of Nigerian enterprise. From a small business centre in 1998, the company has endured changing economic conditions, evolving regulation and market challenges, adapting at every stage into an operator ready to compete and create value at scale.

Reflecting on what the milestone says about Nigerian businesses, Oluwole Adetuyi said: “They can evolve, compete globally, and build institutions of lasting value from Nigeria. 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.”

As it enters this new phase, STN is committing to building a truly Nigerian telecommunications ecosystem. Its priorities include investment in skills development and training for Nigerian engineers, technicians and digital professionals; partnerships with Nigerian service providers, contractors and vendors across the value chain; collaboration with global technology partners to deepen indigenous technical capability; infrastructure rollout to expand access and bridge the digital divide; and direct employment and opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs in distribution, retail and support services.

“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.”

Yetunde Okafor, Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, said STN will in the coming weeks announce strategic partnerships, infrastructure rollout plans and programmes to engage investors and stakeholders as it begins commercial operations under the UASL.