Introduction
There has been a growing rumor that 9Mobile, one of Nigeria’s leading telecommunications providers, is shutting down. This speculation arose due to increasing complaints about poor service and difficulties in switching to other networks. Many frustrated customers assumed the worst.
However, 9Mobile has strongly denied these claims, stating that they are facing technical challenges but are not going out of business. In this article, we explore the truth behind the rumors, the company’s challenges, and their future plans.
Why Are People Saying 9Mobile is Shutting Down?
The speculation about 9Mobile’s shutdown started when subscribers began experiencing:
- Poor network service in different parts of the country.
- Difficulties with Mobile Number Portability (MNP), which allows users to switch to other networks.
- Lack of major improvements despite promises of upgrades.
These frustrations led people to assume that 9Mobile was on the verge of closing down.
9Mobile’s Response: ‘We Are Not Closing Down’
9Mobile has acknowledged that there are temporary technical issues affecting their services, especially Mobile Number Portability. However, they insist that:
- They have not blocked any users from leaving.
- The issues are not permanent and are being fixed.
- They are currently upgrading their infrastructure to improve service quality.
According to 9Mobile, most of the problems have been resolved, but some users may still experience minor delays while they optimize their systems.
9Mobile’s Long History of Struggles
This is not the first time 9Mobile has faced difficulties. The company has been struggling for years due to poor network quality and financial troubles.
- In 2016, 9Mobile had over 22 million subscribers.
- By January 2025, that number had dropped to just 3.2 million.
This massive decline has put pressure on the company to turn things around quickly.
New Ownership and The Fight for Survival
To address these challenges, LH Telecommunication Limited acquired 9Mobile last year. The new owners have:
✅ Invested fresh capital into the company.
✅ Appointed a new board of directors.
✅ Announced an ambitious turnaround strategy.
Despite these efforts, customers are still waiting for noticeable improvements.
The $3 Billion Comeback Plan
READ ALSO: 9mobile’s $3 Billion Comeback: Can the Telecom Underdog Rise Again
In January 2025, 9Mobile announced a $3 billion investment plan aimed at:
📶 Expanding 2G, 3G, and 4G coverage.
💰 Cutting costs by sharing telecom infrastructure instead of building from scratch.
🚀 Improving network quality and customer experience.
However, raising such a huge amount is difficult, especially with Nigeria’s high-interest rates.
The Bigger Telecom Industry Crisis
9Mobile is not the only telecom company facing challenges. CEO Obafemi Banigbe has warned that the entire industry is struggling due to:
📈 Rising operational costs caused by inflation and economic instability.
📉 Decreasing profit margins, making it harder to invest in better services.
âš¡ Frequent power outages, increasing expenses for network maintenance.
These industry-wide issues make 9Mobile’s recovery even more challenging.
Will 9Mobile Survive in 2025?
The future of 9Mobile depends on whether they can successfully:
✔ Fix their network issues and improve service quality.
✔ Raise the necessary funds for expansion and upgrades.
✔ Regain customer trust and attract new users.
While the company is making efforts, the next 12 to 18 months will be critical in determining whether 9Mobile can remain competitive in Nigeria’s telecom market.
Final Thoughts
Despite the rumors, 9Mobile is not shutting down—at least not yet. The company is facing serious challenges, but they have a plan to fight for survival.
For customers, the big question is: Will 9Mobile deliver on its promises this time, or will it continue to struggle? Only time will tell.
What do you think about 9Mobile’s future? Share your thoughts in the comments! 🚀📱
