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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