By 9mobile, one of Nigeria’s telecommunications providers, is grappling with significant customer retention challenges as over 7,000 subscribers migrated to competing networks in September, according to data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The report revealed that 9mobile accounted for a staggering 90% of the 7,886 outgoing porting activities recorded during the month. In contrast, competitors MTN, Airtel, and Globacom shared the remaining 10%.
This exodus has further eroded 9mobile’s subscriber base, leaving the operator with just 3.6 million active users—a distant figure compared to its rivals.
MTN Dominates Subscriber Gains
MTN emerged as the biggest winner in subscriber migration, attracting 4,987 new customers in September, which represents 63% of all incoming porting activity. Airtel followed with 2,205 new subscribers, while Globacom gained 664. 9mobile, meanwhile, recorded the lowest incoming porting figure—just 30 customers.
Competitive Pressure Mounts
The data highlights the intense competition in Nigeria’s telecom sector, driven by service quality and aggressive call and data promotions. MTN maintains its dominance with a subscriber base of 78 million, followed by Airtel with 53.7 million active users. Globacom, despite recent setbacks, holds third place with 19 million subscribers, further underscoring the uphill battle faced by 9mobile.
Challenges for New Leadership
The leadership transition at 9mobile, now owned by LH Telecommunications Limited, comes at a critical time. Reversing the trend of subscriber losses and reestablishing the company’s competitive footing will require significant effort from the new management.
With its shrinking subscriber base and mounting competition, 9mobile’s path to recovery will depend on strategic improvements in service quality, innovative offerings, and a focused effort to rebuild customer confidence in the brand.
