By Olakunle Oke
Globacom has clocked 22 years in Nigeria’s telecom industry, celebrating a record of pioneering services and cultural influence. Founded in 2003 by business mogul Dr Mike Adenuga Jr., the operator entered a market dominated by foreign firms and quickly altered the landscape with Africa’s first per-second billing, along with massive investments in digital infrastructure.
At the time of Glo’s launch, mobile phones were still considered a luxury. SIM cards were priced beyond the reach of many Nigerians, while calls were billed strictly by the minute. The company disrupted this pattern with affordable tariffs, reshaping access. “We aimed to make communication accessible to every Nigerian,” recalled a senior official, echoing Adenuga’s founding vision. By slashing costs and introducing new innovations, Glo helped raise mobile penetration from less than 1 percent in 2001 to more than 90 percent today, unlocking new business opportunities and creating jobs in both urban and rural areas.
A significant aspect of its contribution lies in infrastructure. In 2011, the company launched the $800 million Glo-1 submarine cable, stretching 9,800 kilometres from the UK to Nigeria and linking 16 African nations. The project, privately funded, boosted broadband capacity and has since powered e-commerce platforms, digital education, and telemedicine. With more than 60 million subscribers spread across Nigeria, Benin, and Ghana, Glo’s 4G LTE network continues to drive financial inclusion, mobile banking, and digital tools that aid small enterprises.
Globacom has also embedded itself deeply in Nigeria’s cultural life through endorsements and sponsorships. The company’s roster of ambassadors features contemporary stars such as Asake, Kizz Daniel, and Chike, alongside earlier icons including Wizkid, Flavour, and track sensation Tobi Amusan.
These deals, often valued in millions, extend beyond marketing, supporting talent and widening reach. Its long-standing sponsorship of the Nigerian Premier League, national football teams, and the CAF African Player of the Year Awards has channelled resources into sport, creating opportunities for young athletes and encouraging national pride. Previous collaborations with Manchester United even included training slots for African players, blending international prestige with local growth.
On the consumer side, Globacom has maintained a strategy of affordability. Data packages such as My-G Bundles provide 300MB for N100 daily on social media platforms, while airtime bonuses, device protection schemes, and entertainment bundles keep subscribers engaged. Products like WiFlix for unlimited streaming and quadruple data on MiFi devices continue to shape the company’s competitive edge and contribute to Nigeria’s fast-growing creative economy.
“We are creating a world of limitless possibilities for Nigerians, where connectivity is seamless, and opportunities are boundless,” said Dr Adenuga, chairman of the company.
Despite stiff competition, Glo’s pricing has kept pressure on rivals to reduce tariffs, benefitting the wider market. With 5G services approaching, the company projects faster speeds, AI-driven solutions, and deeper ties with culture and entertainment.
As it celebrates 22 years, Globacom positions itself as a homegrown force in Nigeria’s digital progress, merging innovation, affordability, and cultural relevance.
Key milestones
2003: Introduced per-second billing.
2011: Deployed Glo-1 submarine cable.
2023: Signed Afrobeats stars Asake and Kizz Daniel; expanded 4G coverage.
2025: Marks 22 years with new bonuses and entertainment promotions.
