Nigeria’s fourth mobile network operator, 9mobile, is grappling with a continued decline in its subscriber base, as 6,079 customers ported out of its network in just two months, according to a report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The NCC’s Incoming and Outgoing Porting Activities of Mobile Network Operators Report revealed that 9mobile recorded significant subscriber losses in November and December 2024.
In December alone, out of a total of 2,998 subscribers who switched networks, 2,188 customers left 9mobile, making it the biggest loser for the month.
Similarly, in November, 3,891 subscribers ported out of 9mobile, while other operators recorded relatively lower outgoing porting figures.
“This brought the total number of subscribers lost by 9mobile in two months to 6,079,” the report stated.
Other mobile operators, including MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, experienced minor losses compared to 9mobile.
In December, MTN lost 236 customers, Airtel recorded 269 outgoing porting activities, and Globacom lost 305 subscribers—a stark contrast to 9mobile’s 2,188 departures.
In addition to massive subscriber exits, 9mobile also struggled to attract new customers. In December 2024, only 17 new subscribers ported into the network, compared to MTN’s 1,856, Airtel’s 835, and Globacom’s 290.
The situation was no different in November, when only 27 customers ported into 9mobile, while MTN gained 3,019 subscribers, Airtel 1,266, and Globacom 414.
The NCC report also highlighted 9mobile’s declining market share, which plummeted to 1.9% in December 2024. This marks a steep fall from its 15.7% market share in 2015, when it boasted 23.4 million subscribers.
Despite a stagnant subscriber base of 3.2 million for two consecutive months, other telecom operators continued to grow. MTN expanded its dominance, increasing its market share to 51%, with its subscriber base rising from 81.2 million in November to 84.6 million in December.
Airtel also recorded growth, reaching 56.6 million subscribers in December, up from 55.4 million the previous month. Meanwhile, Globacom, which had suffered earlier declines due to a regulatory audit, showed signs of recovery, increasing its subscriber base from 19.6 million to 20.1 million by the end of 2024.
With the competition growing stronger, 9mobile faces an uphill battle in retaining its market position as customers continue to abandon the network at an alarming rate.
