- Telecom Operators Record Mixed Fortunes as 55,388 Subscribers Switch Networks in 2024
- 12 Years after its existence
- The Idea behind it was to encourage healthy competition
Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have experienced varying outcomes as 55,388 subscribers migrated between networks under the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) scheme in 2024.
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Introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on April 22, 2013, MNP allows customers to switch from one network to another while retaining their phone numbers.
The primary goal of this initiative was to enhance competition and encourage users to leave service providers with poor network quality. However, 12 years later, multiple network subscriptions have become the norm, with most subscribers maintaining connections across MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile.
Despite this, around 165 million active telecom users in the country still struggle to get optimal value for their money when it comes to voice and data services.
Recent statistics from December 2024, which serve as the final data for the year, show that MTN gained 36,412 new users while 2,496 left the network. Airtel followed with 13,783 incoming subscribers and 4,051 outgoing.
Further breakdown reveals that Globacom welcomed 4,469 new users but lost 3,813. Meanwhile, 9mobile, which has faced ongoing challenges, received only 724 new customers while losing a significant 44,658 to other networks.
A telecom analyst, Kehinde Aluko, noted that MNP was introduced to offer more options to consumers and boost competition among operators. However, the expected impact has been minimal.
Aluko attributed the limited success of the scheme to several factors. One key reason is that all major network providers offer relatively similar service quality, reducing the motivation to switch. While some operators provide incentives for new customers, these offers are often not compelling enough to drive mass migration.
Another challenge is the low level of awareness among the public regarding the MNP process and its benefits. Many subscribers are unaware that they can port their numbers or how to initiate the process. Additionally, there have been complaints of technical issues and delays, discouraging potential users from switching.
In some areas, one network may have superior coverage, making it less appealing for subscribers to switch even if another provider offers better rates or promotions. Aluko also pointed out customer inertia—many users prefer to stay with their current network simply because switching appears cumbersome.
Nigeria Ends 2024 with 164.9 Million Active Telecom Subscribers
An analysis of the latest data shows that Nigeria closed 2024 with 164.9 million active telecom subscribers. This represents a decline from the 224.7 million recorded in December 2023. The reduction was largely due to the National Identification Number-SIM (NIN-SIM) linkage audit, which helped clean up the database. By September 2024, the NCC reported a total of 154 million active lines.
Between October and December 2024, telecom operators activated and reactivated around 10 million lines. In October, the total number of active subscribers stood at 157.6 million, rising to 159.8 million in November, and ultimately reaching 164.9 million by year-end.
Teledensity, which measures the ratio of telephone connections to the population, increased from 71.4 percent in September to 76 percent by the end of December. This metric is used to assess access to communication services across different regions.
Further analysis of the data reveals that 4G technology maintained its position as the leading network standard, covering 47.2 percent of the country in 2024. Meanwhile, 2G networks accounted for 41.59 percent, and 3G had an 8.75 percent share.
Since its commercial rollout in Nigeria three years ago, 5G technology has achieved a penetration rate of 2.46 percent, meaning approximately four million users are now connected to 5G networks provided by MTN, Airtel, and Mafab Communications.
Market Share and Network Penetration
MTN continued to dominate the market, ending 2024 with 84.6 million subscribers and a market share of 52.39 percent. Airtel followed with 56.6 million users and 34.4 percent penetration. Globacom ranked third with 20.1 million customers and a 12.23 percent share, while 9mobile remained in fourth place with 3.28 million subscribers, representing 1.99 percent market reach.
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Despite the fluctuations in subscriber numbers and portability activity, Nigeria’s telecom sector remains highly competitive, with ongoing network improvements and increasing adoption of advanced technologies shaping its future.
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