How 9mobile Lost Over 300,000 Subscribers

9mobile is facing a steep decline in its subscriber base, losing more than 300,000 customers in just two months as it awaits regulatory approval for a national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecom operator lost 318,825 subscribers between February and March 2025. This drop brings its total customer base down to 2.96 million, slashing its market share to 1.72%—a sharp fall from 1.9% in January.

Industry watchers say 9mobile’s ongoing network challenges—frequent outages, poor coverage, and sluggish data speeds—are driving the exodus. The situation has worsened under the ownership of LightHouse Capital, which has been slow to invest in critical infrastructure upgrades.

A potential turnaround hinges on a long-awaited roaming deal with MTN Nigeria. The agreement would allow 9mobile users to connect through MTN’s network where 9mobile coverage is lacking. But the deal has stalled, awaiting final approval from the NCC.

Sources say the technical and commercial details have already been finalized. However, the NCC is still reviewing the agreement to ensure it aligns with national broadband goals, supports rural connectivity, and maintains fair competition.

This isn’t the first time 9mobile and MTN have partnered. In 2020, a successful three-month roaming trial in Ondo State laid the foundation for this broader proposal. Under the new deal, MTN would also gain limited access to 9mobile’s spectrum in the 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, and 2100 MHz bands—raising competitive concerns.

Once a market leader with over 23 million subscribers as Etisalat Nigeria in 2015, 9mobile has now lost more than 20 million users. With its future uncertain, the stalled MTN deal is seen as a critical lifeline. But unless regulatory approval comes soon, 9mobile risks further erosion in Nigeria’s highly competitive telecom sector.