Smartphones have become central to how Nigerians live, work, and earn. What began as a communication tool has evolved into a source of livelihood for millions, with mobile phone dealers playing a key role in keeping the market moving.
Reports show that Nigeria will surpass 140 million smartphone users by the end of 2025, underlining how mobile devices now drive both the economy and everyday survival.
Broadband penetration is also on the rise, improving the potential for mobile-driven commerce. Nigeria’s broadband coverage increased from 44.43% at the end of 2024 to 48.81% in May 2025, further supporting the digital ecosystem dealers rely on to reach consumers and sustain their businesses.
For dealers, this growth represents opportunity but also pressure, as the market remains highly sensitive to currency swings. The 2023 CBN reforms triggered a sharp naira depreciation, making devices more expensive and margins tighter.
Despite these challenges, phone retailing remains one of the most active sectors in the country. Dealers have built intricate distribution networks linking manufacturers, wholesalers, and consumers, allowing them to meet rising demand even amid economic volatility. Lagos continues to anchor this trade, serving as the primary hub for mobile-device sales and distribution in Nigeria.
This article spotlights 5 owners of major phone stores in Nigeria, unpacking the stories behind their businesses and their number of stores.
3CHUB, officially known as 3CHUB Brand Management Limited, is the Nigerian retail arm of Transsion Holdings, the makers of Tecno, Infinix, and Itel smartphones.
Established in 2015 with a single store at Otigba, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos, the company has grown both organically and through strategic acquisitions. A major milestone came in 2018 when Transsion acquired Micro-Station, a Computer Village-based retail chain, for approximately $5 million. The acquisition expanded 3CHUB’s footprint, and all Micro-Station stores were subsequently converted into 3CHUB outlets, strengthening its retail presence nationwide.
3CHUB is owned by Transsion Holdings, a Chinese company founded in 2006 by George Zhu, who serves as Chairman and President. Born Zhu Zhaojiang in 1973 in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, George Zhu grew up in a bustling port city. He studied electrical engineering at Zhejiang University, graduating with honors in the mid-1990s, while also engaging in student entrepreneurship activities.
Zhu began his career at Rockwell International, working on industrial automation and supply chain data systems, before co-founding Zhima Tech, a retail analytics firm that modeled consumer behavior in China’s emerging e-commerce market.
In 2006, Zhu founded Transsion Holdings in Shenzhen, initially a data analytics company that pivoted to mobile devices tailored for emerging markets. Under his leadership, Transsion launched Tecno in Nigeria, later adding Infinix and Itel. The company holds 63% of Nigeria’s smartphone market.
Transsion has focused heavily on emerging markets, particularly Africa, and has leveraged its retail operations in Nigeria to promote its brands while also selling other manufacturers’ products to attract a broad customer base.
Since its founding, 3CHUB has expanded to over 46 stores across 12 states in Nigeria with a significant concentration in Lagos. Its headquarters is at No. 20, Awolowo Way, Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos.
Thanks for this write up.
I couldn’t have said a thing if slot system is missing.
I have consistently patronise his shop at Port Harcourt.
I buy with confidence, but I wonder how he beat transsion to number 1?,been a reseller of their products.
I did not see Zenco Communication. He is always mentioned as one of the biggest partners of Tecno, Infinix, so make it make sense. I need Nairametrics researched reportage on whose is Nigeria’s no 1 dealer and partner for Tecno and infinix phone – Zenco or Slot?