9mobile has lost 300K users after a stalled roaming agreement with MTN, raising concerns over network coverage and customer retention in Nigeria’s telecom market. This development highlights the telecom operator’s increasing difficulty in retaining its subscriber base, particularly in a sector where more established and powerful competitors dominate.
Even though Nigeria’s telecom market is still developing quickly, 9mobile’s inability to complete a crucial alliance with MTN has turned into a significant setback. In contrast to competitors like MTN and Airtel, which reported minor improvements, the operator saw its subscriber base drop by almost 300,000 in a single quarter, according to the latest data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the operator lost 318,825 members in February and March 2025 alone, bringing its customer base down to just 2.96 million and its market share down from 1.9% in January 2025 to 1.72%.
The delayed execution of a countrywide roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria is the main cause of the problem. If this arrangement had been completed, 9mobile users would have had access to MTN’s wide network coverage, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. But the project hasn’t taken off despite talks and statements that started as early as 2021. Consequently, a large number of 9mobile users in areas with inadequate coverage have chosen to migrate to networks that provide improved access.
As a result, user discontent has increased. In the current digital era, uninterrupted connectivity is essential rather than optional. Subscribers are quick to port their numbers or stop using the service entirely when they have ongoing network problems, particularly if there are no obvious fixes or future plans.
More significantly, the postponed deal can potentially be a reflection of more serious strategic and structural problems at 9mobile. Although the business has worked to revamp its services and brand in recent years, results have been patchy. And now that more than 300,000 customers have left, there is more pressing need than ever to take action.
This setback, according to industry experts, couldn’t have happened at a worse moment. With intense marketing campaigns and innovations from MTN, Airtel, and Glo, Nigeria’s telecom business is extremely competitive. 9mobile runs the risk of slipping further behind in the absence of a strong plan or prompt fix.
There might still be a way forward in spite of these obstacles. If implemented quickly, the national roaming deal with MTN, which is still on the table, may give it a boost. In order to regain users’ trust, 9mobile might also look into new alliances, infrastructure upgrades, or customer loyalty schemes.
Time is of the essence, though. The market share of 9mobile is eroded with each month that goes by without any advancement.
In summary, the reality that 9mobile loses 300K users amid a stalled deal sends a clear message. In the current telecom environment, network dependability and strategic alliances are non-negotiable. Recovery is feasible, but it will require quick thinking, audacious choices, and a renewed emphasis on what consumers really need. And what do they need? Dependable, reasonably priced, and easily available communication services.
