Mobile number portability in Nigeria saw a significant rise of 190% in January 2025, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). A total of 8,708 telecom subscribers switched networks, up from 2,998 in December 2024. This increase highlights a growing dissatisfaction with service quality and pricing, prompting users to explore better options with competing operators. The surge is also reflective of changes in network offerings and improvements in customer service.
9mobile, once a prominent player in the Nigerian telecom market, saw the most significant losses, with 6,716 subscribers leaving the network. This continued decline marks a troubling trend for the operator, which has struggled to maintain its position in recent years. From a peak of 23.4 million subscribers in 2015, 9mobile’s customer base has dwindled to just 3.2 million, unchanged for the past three months. In contrast, it only gained seven new subscribers through porting in January.
Meanwhile, other operators such as MTN, Airtel, and Globacom benefited from the increased porting activity. MTN recorded the highest influx, gaining 5,551 new customers through number portability while losing 1,188. Airtel added 2,414 new subscribers and lost 399, while Globacom gained 736 new customers, despite losing 405. These trends indicate the ongoing competitiveness within the Nigerian telecom sector, driven by better pricing, network quality, and customer service.
The telecom sector as a whole experienced growth in January 2025, with total active mobile subscriptions increasing to 169.3 million, up from 164.9 million the previous month. MTN led the way, adding 2.9 million new subscribers to reach a total of 87.5 million, while Airtel and Globacom also saw modest gains. Despite this growth, 9mobile’s stagnant user base suggests that the operator faces ongoing challenges in reclaiming its market position.
SOURCE: PUNCH