On average, over 75% of subscribers that switched networks ported from 9mobile, peaking at over 90% in September 2024

Key Takeaways:

  • 9mobile consistently tops the port-out chart, averaging over 75% of all outgoing ports over 24 months.
  • The highest subscriber loss from 9mobile occurred in September 2024, with 90.38% of all ports.
  • Airtel and Globacom show relatively stable port-out shares, rarely crossing 15%, with occasional surges. MTN has the lowest overall port-out rates, peaking at 13.64% in January 2025.
  • Total port-outs to other service providers surged by 127%, from 2,992 in May 2023 to 6,789 in April 2025.
  • The highest port transfer to another provider occurred in September 2024, with 7,886 total departures, and 9mobile recording 7,127 losses (90.38%).
  • Globacom’s outflow increased sharply from the July 2023 low, reaching 18.16% in April 2025.
  • Airtel maintained relatively low but fluctuating port-out rates, hitting its highest at 14.61% in October 2023.

Between May 2023 and April 2025, 9mobile consistently recorded the highest share of customer exits, often accounting for 70% to 90% of total monthly port-outs. This persistent trend suggests ongoing customer dissatisfaction or competitive disadvantages.

Airtel and Globacom maintained modest port-out rates, while MTN displayed strong customer retention. MTN's port-out rates were mostly below 8%, except for a notable jump to 13.64% in January 2025. Globacom reported its highest customer loss rate of 24.1% in June 2023, while Airtel's highest loss share was in October 2023 at 14.6%.

Source:

Nigerian Communications Commission

Period:

May 2023 - April 2025
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In 2025, 9mobile only added 1-3 new members each month through porting, compared to a peak of 324 in 2022, representing an almost 100% reduction
Key Takeaways:
  • In June 2022, 9mobile recorded a peak of 324 port-ins.
  • The lowest port-in figure during the period was recorded in February 2025, with only one subscriber.
  • In June 2021, 9mobile received 191 new ported-in users, which decreased to 3 by April 2025.
  • Monthly port-in numbers have been progressively dropping, from a three-digit to a single-digit level by 2025.
  • A slight recovery was observed in May 2024 (226), but it was not sustained.
  • By early 2025, port-ins dropped to as low as 1-3 per month.
  • This trend is consistent with a sharp decline in its subscriber base.
  • Compared to other service providers, 9mobile has struggled to attract and maintain switching clients.
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