ESDIAC Global Systems Limited has secured a licence to operate in Nigeria’s data market. The Nigerian technology company disclosed this in a statement issued in Lokoja on Friday. The licence paves the way for expansion of its telecommunications and digital communication services. The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Austin Ugbebor, signed the statement.
Nigeria’s data market is dominated by mobile network operators. MTN, Airtel, Globacom and T2mobile control the infrastructure. Smaller players operate as licensees or resellers. The market is growing. Data consumption rose nearly 47% to about 1.6 million terabytes in July 2026. The NCC projects subscriptions could reach 350 million within 10 to 15 years. Competition is increasing. New entrants target niche segments. ESDIAC is positioning itself in cross-border connectivity and diaspora services.
Ugbebor said the licence would enable ESDIAC to provide cross-border data solutions, international connectivity, data top-ups and global eSIM services. The company aims to make international communication more affordable and accessible for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for policies promoting competition and growth in the digital economy.
Ugbebor said the company will leverage the licence to expand operations, invest in local infrastructure, develop talent and extend affordable communication services to underserved communities. ESDIAC currently operates in more than 150 countries and 400 cities. It offers international calling, global eSIMs and cross-border data solutions. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda through innovation, investment and inclusive connectivity.
The company faces a competitive market. Established operators have infrastructure and scale. New entrants must differentiate. ESDIAC’s focus on cross-border services and the diaspora is a niche. Whether it can scale depends on pricing, partnerships and infrastructure access.
Winners: ESDIAC, which gains market access. Diaspora Nigerians, who gain a new connectivity option. Underserved communities, if infrastructure investment follows. The NCC, which shows a competitive market. Consumers, if prices fall.
Losers: Established operators, which face new competition. Companies that cannot secure licences. The market, if regulation favours incumbents. No serious losers if competition improves service.
Bottom Line: A new licence is not a network. ESDIAC has market access. It has global reach. It has a niche. But it must build local infrastructure and win customers. The data market needs competition. The licence is a start. Execution is the test.