By Chinedu Okafor
Nigeria’s embattled mobile network provider, 9mobile, continues to face challenges as its subscriber base dwindles. Over 6,079 customers have ported out of its network in just two months.
According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), this significant loss happened in November and December 2024, as detailed in its Incoming and Outgoing Porting Activities of Mobile Network Operators Report published on their website.
In December 2024, out of 2,998 subscribers who switched networks, 2,188 left 9mobile. The situation was even worse in November 2024, where out of 4,726 porting activities, 9mobile lost 3,891 subscribers to rival networks.
“This brings the total number of subscribers lost by 9mobile within the two-month period to 6,079,” the report stated.
The company recently disclosed operational challenges due to issues at its data centre, further compounding its struggles.
Other telecom operators reported significantly fewer outgoing porting numbers during the same period. In December 2024:
- MTN lost 236 subscribers,
- Airtel recorded 269 outgoing porting,
- Globacom saw 305 subscribers leave,
- While 9mobile experienced a massive loss of 2,188 customers.
In terms of incoming porting for December 2024:
- MTN gained the most, with 1,856 new subscribers,
- Airtel added 835 customers,
- Globacom attracted 290 new users,
- In stark contrast, 9mobile managed to gain only 17 subscribers.
Similarly, in November 2024, out of 4,726 total porting activities:
- 9mobile was the biggest loser again, with 3,891 subscribers leaving.
- MTN lost just 166 subscribers,
- Airtel had 362 outgoing porting,
- Globacom saw 307 customers port out.
For incoming porting in November:
- MTN led with 3,019 new subscribers,
- Airtel gained 1,266,
- Globacom added 414 customers,
- While 9mobile attracted just 27 new users.
The report also highlighted that porting activities decreased in December compared to November. A total of 4,726 activities were recorded in November, while December saw a drop to 2,998, marking a 1,728 decline in mobile number portability.
On the market share front, the Nigerian telecoms sector witnessed a significant shift:
- 9mobile’s market share plummeted to 1.9% in December 2024, a steep decline from its 15.7% share in 2015, when it boasted 23.4 million subscribers.
- The company’s subscriber base remained stagnant at 3.2 million for two consecutive months, underscoring its struggles.
In contrast, other major telecom operators experienced notable growth:
- MTN Nigeria strengthened its dominance, increasing its market share to 51% with 84.6 million subscribers in December, up from 81.2 million in November.
- Airtel also grew its subscriber base to 56.6 million in December, up from 55.4 million the previous month.
- Globacom, after facing subscriber losses earlier in 2024 due to a regulatory audit, rebounded, growing from 19.6 million to 20.1 million subscribers by year-end.
(NAN)