Smartphones have become central to how Nigerians live, work, and earn. What began as a communication tool has evolved into a key part of daily survival and income generation. Across the country, mobile phone dealers sustain this digital economy, connecting millions of consumers with the devices that keep them online.
According to market reports, Nigeria is projected to exceed 140 million smartphone users by the end of 2025, underscoring the scale of mobile adoption driving both economic activity and social connection. Broadband penetration is also expanding, rising from 44.43% at the end of 2024 to 48.81% in May 2025, strengthening the infrastructure that supports mobile-driven business.
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For phone dealers, this growth brings both opportunity and pressure. The sector remains highly sensitive to exchange-rate fluctuations. Following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2023 reforms, the naira’s depreciation made imports more expensive and squeezed margins. Yet, the mobile retail trade remains active, with dealers building robust distribution networks linking manufacturers, wholesalers, and consumers.
Lagos continues to anchor this trade, serving as the country’s primary hub for mobile phone sales and distribution. From Computer Village to new retail outlets nationwide, entrepreneurs have turned mobile device retail into a thriving business sector.
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Here are five business owners who have built some of Nigeria’s largest phone retail chains — telling the stories behind their companies and how they power the nation’s smartphone boom.
1. Nnamdi Ezeigbo – Founder & CEO, SLOT Systems Limited (90 stores)
At the top of the list is Nnamdi Ezeigbo, founder and Chief Executive Officer of SLOT Systems Limited, one of Nigeria’s most established mobile phone retail chains.
Ezeigbo studied Electrical Electronics Engineering at Yaba College of Technology, earning a Higher National Diploma (HND) in 1988. After completing his NYSC at Guinness Nigeria PLC in 1996, he began repairing computers in Ikeja, where he built a reputation for reliability and strong customer service.
His turning point came when a loyal customer supplied him with printers to sell. The sales proceeds enabled him to rent a larger store for N180,000, which he later purchased for N100 million. As demand for mobile phones rose, Ezeigbo diversified from computer sales into mobile retail.
Determined to improve his business management skills, he completed an MBA at Lagos Business School and attended several entrepreneurship programmes. These experiences shaped his leadership approach and guided SLOT’s expansion.
Today, SLOT operates 90 stores across Nigeria, with a major presence in Lagos and branches in key cities nationwide. The brand has become synonymous with quality mobile retail and customer trust.
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2. George Zhu – Founder, Transsion Holdings (46 stores)
The 3CHUB retail chain, officially known as 3CHUB Brand Management Limited, represents the Nigerian retail arm of Transsion Holdings, the company behind smartphone brands Tecno, Infinix, and Itel.
Founded in 2015, 3CHUB opened its first store at Otigba, Computer Village, Ikeja, and has since grown significantly. A key turning point came in 2018, when Transsion acquired Micro-Station, a major phone retailer in Ikeja, for around $5 million. The acquisition expanded 3CHUB’s footprint, converting all Micro-Station branches into 3CHUB outlets.
Transsion Holdings was founded in 2006 by George Zhu (Zhu Zhaojiang), born in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, in 1973. Zhu studied Electrical Engineering at Zhejiang University and began his career at Rockwell International before co-founding Zhima Tech, a data analytics firm.
He later launched Transsion Holdings in Shenzhen, focusing on technology tailored to emerging markets. Under his leadership, Transsion launched Tecno, followed by Infinix and Itel, which today dominate Nigeria’s smartphone market with an estimated 63% market share.
Through 3CHUB, Transsion has strengthened its presence in Nigeria, selling not only its in-house brands but also products from other manufacturers. The company operates 46 stores across 12 states, with its headquarters at 20 Awolowo Way, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos.
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3. Emeka Oguchi – CEO, Pointek (21 stores)
Emeka Oguchi leads Point Technologies Limited, popularly known as Pointek, one of Nigeria’s best-known electronics and mobile phone retail chains. Founded in the early 2000s, Pointek has grown steadily to establish a strong presence nationwide.
Oguchi holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Enugu State University of Science and Technology and completed the Owner/President Management Programme (OPM) at Lagos Business School in 2015.
Pointek’s operations extend across multiple states, providing smartphones, tablets, and related gadgets. The company is known for offering after-sales support and price guarantees, helping build customer loyalty over time.
Pointek’s headquarters is located at 6 Simbiat Abiola Way, Ikeja, with additional outlets at Ikeja City Mall, Awolowo Road, Surulere, Ikotun, Festac, Broad Street, Victoria Island, Saka Tinubu, and Festival Mall.
Outside Lagos, Pointek has branches in Abuja (Wuse 2), Warri and Asaba (Delta State), Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Benin City (Edo State), Uyo (Akwa Ibom), Owerri (Imo State), Ebonyi Mall, and Umuahia (Abia State). In total, the company operates 21 retail outlets nationwide.
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4. Adesomoju Opeyemi – CEO, Spectrum Phones Ltd (19 stores)
Adesomoju Opeyemi is the founder and Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Spectrum Phones Ltd and Spectrum Holdings, which also oversees Spectrum Innovation Technologies Ltd.
A graduate of Business Administration from the University of Ilorin, Adesomoju furthered her education through the Owner Manager Programme at Lagos Business School and holds professional certifications from the University of Wisconsin, USA. She is also an alumna of Harvard Business School.
She is a Fellow of the Institute of Business Administration and Knowledge Management (FIBAKM) and holds an honorary doctorate in Corporate Leadership and Entrepreneurship Management from the European American University.
Her entrepreneurial journey began after completing her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at Guinness Nigeria PLC. Starting with a single shop in Ikeja, she built the foundation for what is now a nationwide retail group.
Today, Spectrum Phones Ltd operates 19 stores across Lagos, offering a range of mobile devices and accessories. Her experience and strategic leadership have enabled the company to thrive amid market competition.
Beyond business, Adesomoju is an author. Her bestselling book, “Take Your Place”, focuses on empowering entrepreneurs with tools and strategies for business growth.
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5. Nwankwo Ebere – Founder, Phonemart Technologies
Phonemart Technologies operates under the Regal Group of Companies, specialising in the sale of mobile phones, laptops, cameras, and accessories. Founded by Chief Nwankwo Reginald Ebere, the company is registered with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and runs multiple shops across the country alongside a strong online platform.
Ebere, who also serves as Chairman of Regal Group, hails from Eluama Lokpaukwu in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and an LL.B in Law from Abia State University, Uturu.
Before launching Phonemart Technologies in 2008, he worked with Inland Bank (now FCMB) and Parktel International, an ICT distribution company. His background in banking and ICT provided the foundation for building a business that has become a household name in Nigeria’s tech retail space.
The Regal Group has diversified into several subsidiaries, including Regal Cribz, Regal Granites, RegalBuyer Limited, and Regal Devices Limited. Together, these businesses form a network that supports both physical and online retail operations.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Ebere has also served in public office. Between 2016 and 2018, he was Supervisor for Agriculture in Umunneochi LGA, and later served as Special Assistant on Media to former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu (2018–2019), and as Senior Special Assistant on Media (2019–2021).
