In recent weeks, 9Mobile, one of Nigeria’s leading telecommunications providers, has faced scrutiny over service disruptions and subscriber dissatisfaction. Customers have reported issues such as network downtime, unauthorised data renewals, and difficulties in porting to other networks. In response, 9Mobile has dismissed rumors of an impending shutdown, attributing service challenges to technical glitches and ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at enhancing service quality.
The company’s subscriber base has seen a significant decline, from over 22 million in 2016 to approximately 3.2 million as of January 2025. This reduction is partly due to subscribers’ inability to switch networks seamlessly, with reports indicating that many customers have faced obstacles when attempting to port their numbers to other providers. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reported that in November and December 2024, 9Mobile lost a total of 6,079 subscribers through mobile number portability. Specifically, 2,188 subscribers left in December, following a loss of 3,891 in November.
In contrast, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria experienced growth during the same period. MTN’s subscriber base increased to 84.6 million, capturing a 51% market share, while Airtel’s rose to 56.6 million subscribers. This growth highlights the competitive challenges 9mobile faces in the Nigerian telecommunications market.
Compounding these challenges are allegations that 9Mobile has been obstructing subscribers’ attempts to switch to other networks. Over the past month, numerous customers have reported difficulties in porting their numbers, with some industry insiders suggesting that 9Mobile deliberately blocked porting requests. The National Association of Telecom Subscribers (NATCOMS) has urged the NCC to investigate these claims, emphasizing that hindering porting undermines consumer rights and competition.
Amid these developments, 9Mobile has refuted rumors of an impending shutdown, asserting that it remains committed to delivering quality services to its customers. Despite these assurances, the persistent decline in subscriber numbers and allegations of anti-competitive practices continue to pose significant challenges for the telecom operator.
In further news, in July 2024, 9Mobile appointed Obafemi Banigbe as its new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Juergen Peschel. LH Telecommunication Limited acquired 9Mobile last year, injecting fresh capital and appointing a new board to implement a $3 billion strategy focused on expanding 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage and reducing costs through infrastructure sharing.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are closely monitoring 9Mobile’s strategies to regain consumer trust and stabilise its market position in Nigeria’s competitive telecommunications landscape.
