Mobile number portability in Nigeria experienced a remarkable 190% increase in January 2025, as 8,708 subscribers switched networks, up from 2,998 in December 2024.
Data from the Nigerian Communications Commission highlights a growing trend of users seeking better service quality and pricing options.
The figures reveal that 9mobile bore the brunt of subscriber losses, with 6,716 customers leaving for rival networks. Once a dominant player in Nigeria’s telecom industry, 9mobile has faced significant challenges in recent years.
Its subscriber base has stagnated at 3.2 million for three consecutive months—an alarming drop from the 23.4 million users it boasted in 2015, when it held a 15.7% market share.
Despite the surge in porting activity, the operator managed to attract only seven new customers via porting in January.
Meanwhile, major competitors MTN, Airtel, and Globacom reaped the benefits of increased portability.
MTN recorded the highest gains, adding 5,551 new subscribers while losing 1,188 to other providers. Airtel followed, acquiring 2,414 new customers through porting and losing 399.
Globacom, though trailing behind, saw 736 incoming subscribers, offset by 405 exits.
Analysts attribute this surge in porting to multiple factors, including poor network performance, competitive pricing, and improved customer service from competitors.
Additionally, the NIN-SIM linkage enforcement by the NCC in 2024 led to widespread SIM deactivations, disrupting the market. Some affected users, now regaining access, are opting for alternative providers.
Beyond porting activity, the telecom sector witnessed a strong recovery in January 2025. Active mobile subscriptions climbed to 169.3 million, up from 164.9 million in December 2024.
Leading the resurgence, MTN, Nigeria’s largest telecom operator, added 2.9 million new users, expanding its total base to 87.5 million subscribers. Airtel also saw growth, rising from 56.6 million users in December 2024 to 57.6 million in January 2025. Globacom, having previously suffered losses due to regulatory audits, gained ground, increasing from 20.1 million to 20.5 million subscribers.
However, 9mobile’s struggles persist, with its user base frozen at 3.2 million for the third straight month. As competition intensifies, the operator faces mounting pressure to regain its footing in Nigeria’s fast-evolving telecom landscape.
