LAGOS, NIGERIA — 1st OCTOBER 2026
Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN) has announced the award of a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), marking a significant milestone in the company’s evolution and its entry into Nigeria’s fast-growing telecommunications industry.
The milestone marks STN’s formal evolution from its early 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 Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of STN, Oluwole Adetuyi, described the UASL as a defining moment in the company’s journey.
“This UASL is not just a licence. It is a new chapter. 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.”
STN’s journey mirrors the story of Nigerian enterprise. From humble beginnings providing basic telephony services, the company has endured changing economic conditions, evolving regulations and market challenges.
Through perseverance and adaptation, STN has transformed into a full-service telecommunications operator ready to compete and create value at scale.
The UASL provides STN with the regulatory platform to provide a comprehensive range of telecommunications services, including voice, data and access services across Nigeria, subject to the applicable regulatory framework and licence conditions.
Reflecting on the resilience of STN, Adetuyi said the milestone reinforces a larger truth about Nigerian businesses: that they can stand the test of time, 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 STN enters this new phase, the company is committing to building a truly Nigerian telecommunications ecosystem, with a focus on local talent, strategic partnerships, infrastructure development and inclusive digital access.
STN’s strategic priorities include:
Investment in Skills Development
Investing in skills development and training for Nigerian engineers, technicians and digital professionals.
Nigerian Partnerships
Prioritising partnerships with Nigerian service providers, contractors and vendors across the telecommunications value chain, while collaborating with global technology partners to deepen indigenous technical capabilities.
Infrastructure Development
Rolling out telecommunications infrastructure to expand access, strengthen connectivity and contribute to bridging the digital divide.
Employment and Entrepreneurship
Creating direct employment opportunities and supporting Nigerian entrepreneurs in distribution, retail and support services, while increasing Nigerian ownership and leadership across the telecommunications value chain.
“Our ambition is simple: to help build Nigeria’s digital economy from the ground up,” Adetuyi said.
He added:
“This licence gives us the platform. Nigerian talent, Nigerian partners, and Nigerian innovation will give us the momentum.”
STN will, in the coming weeks, announce strategic partnerships, infrastructure rollout plans and programmes designed to engage investors and stakeholders as it begins commercial operations under the UASL.
These initiatives will form part of STN’s broader strategy to expand its telecommunications footprint, strengthen digital connectivity and create opportunities across Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN) is an independent Nigerian telecommunications company.
From its origins as a telephone call service, STN has evolved into a UASL-licensed operator committed to building resilient, inclusive and innovative digital infrastructure for Nigeria.
The company is focused on delivering telecommunications and digital communications solutions while contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy and telecommunications ecosystem.
The Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) provides the holder with authorisation to provide a comprehensive range of telecommunications services, including fixed, mobile, voice and data services across Nigeria, subject to the applicable regulatory framework and licence conditions.
For STN, the award of the UASL represents a new chapter in its journey and provides the platform for the company to expand its telecommunications operations and contribute to Nigeria’s digital infrastructure development.
Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN)
Connecting Your Voice.
