Smartphones have become central to how Nigerians live, work, and earn. Once a communication tool, the mobile phone is now a critical business asset and source of livelihood for millions. At the heart of this digital economy are phone dealers, the entrepreneurs keeping the market stocked and affordable.
Industry reports project that Nigeria will surpass 140 million smartphone users by the end of 2025, underscoring the country’s growing dependence on mobile connectivity. Meanwhile, broadband penetration climbed from 44.43% in December 2024 to 48.81% in May 2025, enabling more Nigerians to engage in e-commerce, fintech, and online education.
Yet, volatility in the foreign exchange market, especially following the 2023 CBN reforms, has made devices costlier. Despite this, the phone retail sector remains one of the country’s most resilient, powered by intricate distribution networks that link manufacturers, wholesalers, and consumers.
Below, we spotlight five leading figures and their brands shaping Nigeria’s smartphone ecosystem.
1. Chief Nwankwo Reginald Ebere – Founder, Phonemart Technologies
Phonemart Technologies, a subsidiary of Regal Group, specializes in mobile phones, laptops, cameras, and accessories. Founded in 2008 by Chief Nwankwo Reginald Ebere, the company operates both physical outlets and a strong online store presence nationwide.
Chief Nwankwo, a trained accountant and lawyer, hails from Eluama Lokpaukwu in Abia State. Before venturing into retail, he worked with Inland Bank (now FCMB) and Parktel International, an ICT distribution firm.
Under his leadership, Regal Group has evolved into a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate, granites, e-commerce, and tech distribution through subsidiaries like Regal Cribz, Regal Granites, RegalBuyer Limited, and Regal Devices Limited.
Beyond business, Nwankwo has served as Supervisor for Agriculture (Umunneochi LGA) and Special Assistant on Media to former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
2. Mrs. Adesomoju Opeyemi – CEO, Spectrum Phones Ltd.
Mrs. Adesomoju Opeyemi, founder and Group Managing Director of Spectrum Phones Ltd., is one of Nigeria’s leading women in mobile technology retail. Her company, part of Spectrum Holdings, operates 19 stores across Lagos and a growing national footprint.
A graduate of Business Administration from the University of Ilorin, she also attended the Owner Manager Program at Lagos Business School and the Harvard Business School’s executive program.
Her journey began modestly after her NYSC at Guinness Nigeria Plc, starting with a single shop in Ikeja. Today, Spectrum Phones has grown into a recognized retail chain and a source of inspiration for female entrepreneurs.
Adesomoju is also an author, known for her book “Take Your Place,” which provides practical tools for business growth.
3. Emeka Oguchi – Managing Director, Pointek (Point Technologies Ltd.)
Pointek, founded in the early 2000s, is one of Nigeria’s most established mobile phone retailers, offering smartphones, tablets, accessories, and electronics nationwide.
Its Managing Director, Emeka Oguchi, holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and completed the Owner/President Management Program at Lagos Business School in 2015.
Under Oguchi’s leadership, Pointek has expanded to 21 retail outlets nationwide, including several branches across Lagos (Ikeja, Surulere, Victoria Island, Ikotun, Festac) and major cities like Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, Asaba, Uyo, and Owerri.
The company is known for its after-sales support, best-price guarantee, and customer loyalty programs, earning it a reputation for reliability in Nigeria’s competitive tech retail market.
4. Zhu Zhaojiang – Founder, Transsion Holdings (Itel, Infinix, Tecno, 3CHUB)
Zhu Zhaojiang, a Chinese entrepreneur, founded Transsion Holdings in Shenzhen in 2006. Initially a data analytics firm, Transsion pivoted to mobile manufacturing, launching Tecno, Infinix, and Itel, which now dominate Nigeria’s smartphone market with a 63% market share.
Beyond phone manufacturing, Transsion also operates 3CHUB, a major retail chain with over 46 stores across 12 Nigerian states and headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos. The company’s strategy combines affordable pricing, local market adaptation, and strong distribution, making its brands household names across Africa.
5. Nnamdi Ezeigbo – Founder, SLOT Systems Ltd.
Nnamdi Ezeigbo, founder and CEO of SLOT Systems Limited, is a pioneer of Nigeria’s retail tech revolution.
A graduate of Yaba College of Technology (HND, Electrical Electronics Engineering), Ezeigbo began his journey repairing computers before expanding into mobile phones. His dedication to customer trust and quality service transformed SLOT from a small repair shop into a national retail powerhouse with 90 stores across Nigeria.
He later earned an MBA from Lagos Business School and became a respected thought leader on entrepreneurship. SLOT remains one of Nigeria’s most trusted tech retailers, known for authentic products, repair services, and financing options.
Nigeria’s Retail Titans and the Future of Connectivity
From Ikeja’s Computer Village to Port Harcourt’s Mile One Market, these entrepreneurs have built more than phone shops, they’ve created infrastructure that connects millions. Their investments in distribution, training, and consumer trust continue to drive Nigeria’s smartphone adoption, bridging the digital divide and fueling innovation across the economy.
