A total of 1,392 mobile subscribers switched networks in Nigeria in November, reflecting a slowdown in porting activity across the telecoms sector, according to the latest Mobile Number Portability data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The figure represents a 12.8 per cent decline from 1,597 subscribers in October, indicating that fewer users changed service providers month-on-month. Mobile number portability allows subscribers to move between networks without changing their phone numbers and is widely tracked as a gauge of consumer sentiment in the industry.
All four major mobile network operators recorded lower porting volumes during the month.
MTN, the market leader, saw the highest number of incoming ports but still recorded a decline. The operator attracted 827 port-ins in November, compared with 937 in October, reflecting an 11.7 per cent decrease month-on-month.
Airtel recorded 282 port-ins in November, down from 357 in October, marking a 21.0 per cent decline, one of the steepest percentage drops among the larger operators.
Globacom posted a milder slowdown. Incoming ports fell from 277 in October to 264 in November, representing a 4.7 per cent decrease, suggesting relatively stable subscriber movement compared with rivals.
T2 (formerly 9mobile) continued to record the lowest porting activity in the market.
The operator attracted 14 subscribers in November, down from 26 in October, translating to a 46.2 per cent decline month-on-month, the sharpest percentage fall among all operators, albeit from a low base.
Overall, the decline in November porting reflects a broader easing in subscriber switching after higher activity in October, even as competition among operators for mobile users remains intense. The NCC’s monthly MNP reports provide insight into how Nigerian consumers respond to pricing, service quality and network performance across the telecoms industry.
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