Susan Abayomi
Globacom’s 23 years in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry have been marked by competition, innovation and major investments in communications infrastructure, with founder Mike Adenuga Jr. emerging as a central figure in the company’s journey.
Adenuga, popularly known as “The Bull,” has built a reputation around persistence and willingness to compete in challenging markets. His telecommunications journey was not without setbacks, but his return to the sector eventually led to the establishment of Globacom as a major Nigerian-owned telecommunications company.
Globacom launched its mobile services in August 2003, entering a market where established operators already had a significant head start. Rather than simply follow existing industry practices, the company introduced per-second billing from its launch, challenging the prevailing approach to mobile call charges at the time.
The move contributed to greater competition within the telecommunications market, with other operators subsequently introducing similar billing options.
Beyond pricing, Globacom also pursued major investments in telecommunications infrastructure. One of its notable projects was the Glo-1 submarine fibre-optic cable, which connects Nigeria to international telecommunications networks and entered service in 2010. The project reflected the company’s focus on expanding connectivity infrastructure beyond mobile services.
Professor Tayo Popoola of the University of Lagos, in a tribute marking Glo’s 23rd anniversary, described Adenuga’s career as one characterised by persistence, ambition and a willingness to challenge established practices.
According to Popoola, Adenuga’s approach to business has involved identifying opportunities, accepting difficult challenges and maintaining a long-term commitment to his ventures.
Globacom has also built a strong presence beyond telecommunications infrastructure through its involvement in sports, entertainment and other areas of popular culture. Its long-standing association with football and major sporting events has contributed to the visibility of the Glo brand among Nigerian consumers.
Over the years, Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape has undergone significant transformation, moving from basic voice services to widespread mobile internet, smartphones, digital commerce and increasingly sophisticated communications services.
The changes have also created new challenges for operators, including the need for continuous infrastructure investment, technological upgrades and improved customer experience.
As Globacom marks its 23rd year, its history provides an example of the growth of indigenous participation in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. The company entered a competitive market, introduced new approaches and subsequently invested in infrastructure intended to support wider connectivity.
For Adenuga, the Globacom story forms part of a broader business career spanning sectors including oil and gas, banking and telecommunications.
The 23rd anniversary therefore provides an opportunity to reflect on both the company’s evolution and the role its founder has played in Nigeria’s private-sector landscape.
From its entry into the mobile telecommunications market in 2003 to its subsequent infrastructure investments, Globacom’s journey has been closely associated with competition and attempts to expand the possibilities of telecommunications in Nigeria.
As the industry continues to evolve, the company enters another phase of its history amid rapid technological change and growing demand for reliable digital connectivity.
