Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN) has acquired a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to the Communication Adviser, Chief Tajudeen Kareem, “This marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Nigeria’s most resilient indigenous telecom companies.

STN was founded in 1998 under the visionary leadership of late Barr. (Mrs) Clara Adetuyi. He said STN began as a modest umbrella and table calling spot to support the NUGA Games. For Mrs Adetuyi, the word ‘Impossible’ never existed.

“By 1999–2000, STN introduced voicemail services to the University of Lagos community, the first of its kind.

“In 2003, STN became the first provider of digital landline services in Yaba, at a time when neither NITEL nor other operators had deployed digital telephony there.

“That same year, STN helped power WAEC Direct, enabling millions of candidates to check results.

STN went on to provide landline services to the Nigerian Military, World Health Organisation and major government parastatals. In 2005, STN chose independence and secured its own operational licences from the NCC. The name change was approved in 2008.

However, like many Nigerian businesses, STN faced challenges, as its operations ceased in November 2010, following infrastructure loss and boardroom issues.

“On 22 February 2022, STN formally submitted its application for the Unified Access Service Licence. After years of planning, regulatory engagement, and persistence, the UASL has now been granted by the NCC.

“This licence is not the destination. It is the bridge. From a small business centre in 1998 to a UASL operator in 2026. The journey has been long. But the journey has never stopped,” said Managing Director/ CEO, Oluwole Adetuyi.

The statement added that “Our ambition is clear. To build a telecommunications company that is proudly Nigerian in its roots, global in its outlook, and transformational in its impact.”

“We want to connect people to opportunities, businesses to customers, and Nigeria to the possibilities of the digital future”, said STN’S Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Yetunde Okafor. STN will announce strategic partnerships and roll-out plans in the coming weeks.” (Nigerian Tribune, excluding headline)