MTN Nigeria leads the number of subscribers porting in with an average of 62% annually, peaking at 5,551 in January 2025

Key takeaways:

  • MTN continuously received the most ported-in subscribers, particularly from 2023 to 2025.
  • MTN ported-in subscribers increased from 616 in June 2021 to 5,551 in January 2025.
  • Airtel subscribers from other networks expanded from 360 to 2,414 port-ins (567%) throughout the same period.
  • Airtel experienced significant growth in August-September 2024 and January 2025, with over 2,000 port-ins monthly.
  • Globacom's performance remained low, with fewer than 1,000 port-ins throughout the period.
  • The high number of subscribers switching to MTN indicates a stronger customer preference for MTN, most likely owing to perceived quality or promotional incentives.

MTN Nigeria led in subscriber port-in traffic between June 2021 and April 2025, attracting most mobile users who switched from other networks. The rising trend began initially but picked up dramatically around mid-2023, most likely due to network upgrades, pricing schemes, or dissatisfaction with competing providers.

Airtel experienced incredible growth, particularly since mid-2024. From 698 users in June 2024, the number rose to 2,414 by January 2025. This growth moved Airtel closer to MTN's inflow levels, indicating successful competitive strategies, service advancements, customer engagement, or market campaigns.

The lowest port-in activity during the entire period was reported by Globacom, indicating a lack of traction among users switching networks. Even its biggest monthly results were modest compared to MTN and Airtel's peaks.

Source:

Nigerian Communications Commission

Period:

June 2021 – April 2025
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