Telecom Subscribers Switch Networks in Droves – NCC Report

Mobile number portability in Nigeria soared by 190% in January 2025, as 8,708 telecom users switched networks, up from 2,998 in December 2024, according to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The report highlighted 9mobile’s significant challenges, with 6,716 customers leaving its network while only seven new subscribers were gained through porting. Once a leading player in the telecom space, boasting 23.4 million subscribers in 2015, the operator now remains stagnant with just 3.2 million users over the past three months.

On the other hand, MTN, Airtel, and Globacom benefited from this trend. MTN added 5,551 new subscribers and saw 1,188 leave, Airtel gained 2,414 and lost 399, while Globacom welcomed 736 new users but lost 405. Factors such as better service quality, competitive pricing, and enhanced customer care contributed to the increased porting activity.

Despite these shifts, the telecom sector experienced overall growth, with active mobile subscriptions increasing from 164.9 million in December 2024 to 169.3 million in January 2025. MTN strengthened its position with 87.5 million subscribers, Airtel expanded to 57.6 million users, and Globacom rose slightly to 20.5 million. However, 9mobile’s subscriber base remained unchanged.