Well, finally, the transition is complete. Zain Nigeria is now Airtel Nigeria. This is the 6th mask that the 0802-0808 network will be putting on since 2001 when it arrived Nigeria as ECONET Wireless. New brand. New logo. New website. Same numbers. Hopefully, better services.

According to a news report by The Vanguard, the name change was announced at a colourful celebration in Abuja on Thursday.

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Here’s the evolution chain: ECONET Wireless Nigeria >> Vodacom Nigeria >> Vmobile Nigeria >> Celtel Nigeria >> Zain Nigeria >> Airtel Nigeria.

Welcome, Airtel!

BusinessDay reports that French telecoms operator, Vivendi, has won the bid for African network, Zain.

Another re-branding nightmare for Zain Nigeria?

History: Econet Wireless to Vodacom to Vmobile to Celtel to Zain
Future: Vivendi (?)

If this deal goes through, shall we hope that Vivendi won’t opt to sell out again in another two years?

One thing must be said though, it has been a surprise – and a pleasant one too – how the 0802/0808 network has managed to provide relatively stable services (at least with voice) inspite of the constant corporate skin changes.

Related Article: Another Re-Branding Exercise Looming at 0802/0808?