Over 8,000 Telecom Users Changed Networks in January Says NCC
Mobile number portability in Nigeria saw a major spike in January 2025, with 8,708 telecom subscribers switching networks, marking a 190% increase from 2,998 in December 2024, according to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
9mobile experienced the highest customer losses, as 6,716 users left for other networks. The telecom provider, which once held a strong position in the market, has been struggling, with its subscriber base stagnant at 3.2 million for three consecutive months—far from its peak of 23.4 million in 2015 when it controlled a 15.7% market share. Despite the surge in porting, 9mobile only gained seven new customers in January.
The sharp rise in network switching highlights growing dissatisfaction among users, particularly concerning service quality and pricing. MTN, Airtel, and Globacom benefited from the trend, with MTN welcoming 5,551 new subscribers while losing 1,188. Airtel gained 2,414 new users via porting and lost 399, whereas Globacom recorded 736 incoming customers, with 405 switching to other networks.
This surge is linked to various factors, including poor network service, competitive pricing, and improved customer support from rival operators. The NCC’s enforcement of the National Identification Number-SIM linkage in 2024 also played a role, as many disconnected users returned to different providers.
Despite the turbulence, Nigeria’s telecom sector rebounded strongly in January, with active mobile subscriptions rising to 169.3 million, up from 164.9 million in December. MTN, the country’s largest telecom provider, added 2.9 million new subscribers, bringing its total user base to 87.5 million. Airtel also saw an increase, growing from 56.6 million to 57.6 million. Globacom, which previously lost subscribers due to regulatory audits, saw a modest rise from 20.1 million to 20.5 million.
Meanwhile, 9mobile continued to struggle, with its subscriber base remaining stagnant at 3.2 million for the third consecutive month.
