Legend Internet, Nigeria’s first publicly listed Internet Service Provider (ISP), is positioning itself as a revolutionary force in the country’s internet access space. Having notched up coverage of 250,000 homes in Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, Legend has set out to reach one million homes nationwide within five years, according to Tech Cabal.
Founded in 2014 with the vision of democratising internet access in Nigeria, Legend’s buoyant fibre infrastructure has spurred the ISP’s aggressive push into free public WiFi. Tech Point reports that Legend now boasts 180 active hotspots across Abuja and more than 200,000 monthly connections. Yet, there is a method to Legend’s free WiFi strategy. As CEO, Aisha Abdulaziz puts it, “free WiFi is more than charity, it’s strategic,” Abdulaziz said. “It’s marketing, outreach, and a bridge to the digital economy for underserved Nigerians.”
Legend Internet is steadily kinging Nigeria’s digital space via a robust ecosystem. According to Tech Cabal, Legend Internet uses its free public WiFi network as a gateway to its broader ecosystem of digital services: LegendMail, Nigeria’s first indigenous email platform; LegendPay, a digital payments solution; and the upcoming MailPay, which will enable money transfers via email.
Legend’s move is bold, given that free public WiFi initiatives in Nigeria have struggled mainly with operational costs, and regulatory and sustainability issues are culprits. Google Station and Surfwella especially come to mind. By linking free access with core services, Legend hopes to guarantee consistent revenue and increased user engagement as Legend Internet provides high-speed internet, TV, and voice services through a single fibre optic cable.
Legend’s strategy is grounded on affordability. The company has pledged not to increase its subscription prices, which currently start at ₦21,521 ($16.55) per month. To maintain competitive pricing, Legend will instead focus on efficiency in operations, building a local supply chain, and limiting exposure to foreign exchange volatility.
As Legend seeks to build the “foundation layer” of Nigeria’s digital economy, Legend Internet’s unique business offerings have the potential to revolutionise Nigeria’s tourism and travel sector via ultra-reliable, high-speed fibre internet and integrated digital services that enhance connectivity, convenience, and user experience.
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For one, Legend offers Nigeria’s first Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTR) service, delivering pure fibre internet into every room with zero lag and full coverage, far surpassing traditional broadband. This ensures tourists, hotels, and travel businesses enjoy seamless, fast, and reliable internet, essential for online bookings, digital marketing, virtual tours, and real-time customer engagement.
With robust internet infrastructure and digital tools, Legend enables the growth of online booking platforms and mobile applications, which are already transforming Nigeria’s hospitality sector by providing innovative tourism services, such as virtual tours, real-time translation, AR-enhanced guides, and digital concierge platforms, attracting tech-savvy domestic and international travellers.
Also, Legend’s reliable connectivity can support advanced technologies like AI-powered chatbots, virtual reality tours, and contactless check-ins, which are shaping the future of hospitality by offering immersive and personalised guest experiences. With advanced digital infrastructure, Legend can provide analytics and insights to tourism stakeholders, informing targeted marketing, personalised visitor experiences, and strategic planning.
With broadband penetration still under 50% in Nigeria, Legend’s nationwide expansion, funded by its recent public listing, will bring digital access to underserved regions, unlocking new destinations for domestic travellers and supporting local tourism entrepreneurs. Enhanced connectivity in rural and emerging tourist areas can improve visitor experiences, enable digital promotion of hidden gems, and foster community-driven tourism initiatives.
Explore the latest innovations and digital solutions shaping the travel industry in Nigeria on our Travel Tech News page.
FAQs
- What is Legend Internet’s role in advancing digital tourism in Nigeria?
Legend Internet is a key digital platform propelling Nigeria’s tourism sector by enhancing online accessibility, marketing, and booking services. It leverages technology to connect tourists with local experiences, supporting Nigeria’s broader digital economy goals and creating new job opportunities in tourism.
- How is digital technology transforming Nigeria’s tourism industry?
Digital technology is revolutionising Nigerian tourism through online platforms, data analytics, virtual and augmented reality, and mobile apps that facilitate travel planning, destination marketing, and booking. This digital shift is expected to generate over 74,000 new jobs and increase overnight stays by 8.5 million by 2025
- What government initiatives support the growth of digital tourism in Nigeria?
The Nigerian government supports digital tourism growth through policies promoting digital service expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and data platforms like the D30 Data Platform, which aims to provide transparent, real-time data to boost investment and innovation in tourism and the creative economy.
- Which domestic destinations are benefiting from the rise in digital tourism?
Popular domestic destinations gaining traction include Idanre Hills (Ondo State), Erin Ijesha Waterfalls (Osun State), and Kajuru Castle (Kaduna), as Nigerians increasingly explore local travel options facilitated by digital platforms.
- What are the prospects of Nigeria’s digital tourism sector?
With ongoing digital adoption, Nigeria’s tourism sector is poised for sustainable growth, increased competitiveness, and economic resilience. Innovations like virtual tourism and innovative tourism ecosystems will continue to expand, attracting more visitors and investments while supporting community-led and eco-friendly tourism.
