A potential decline in Glo's subscriber base of 3.2 million might pave the way for a resurgence of 9mobile.
Globacom (Glo), Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator, has experienced a significant decline in its subscriber base, losing over 3.2 million internet users between December 2024 and May 2025. This steep drop, the sharpest in over a decade, has reduced Glo’s user base to 13.9 million[1][2][3]. Several factors have contributed to this decline.
Regulatory Crackdown on SIM-NIN Linkage: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) enforced strict SIM-NIN (Subscriber Identity Module–National Identification Number) linkage rules to clean up the subscriber database. This exposed previously inflated numbers at Glo, as many registered SIMs were inactive or unverified, leading to a purge of non-compliant accounts[1][2]. Glo’s active voice subscribers plummeted from 62.1 million in March 2024 to 19.1 million by mid-September 2024.
Network Infrastructure Deficiencies: Glo has consistently underinvested in its infrastructure compared to rivals. It operates only 13,800 km of fiber, less than half of MTN Nigeria’s network, and manages its 8,550 towers in-house, rather than outsourcing to specialized firms as competitors do. This has resulted in slower maintenance, aging equipment, and frequent outages—102 major incidents were reported in early 2025 alone[1][2].
Management and Innovation Challenges: Centralized decision-making under founder Mike Adenuga reportedly stifled innovation and operational agility. This contributed to the abrupt exit of CEO Ahmad Farroukh in May 2025 and left the company slow to adapt to market changes[1]. Regulatory fines and unpaid interconnection fees also damaged Glo’s credibility with partners and customers[1].
Quality of Service: Users have reported “unusable” coverage outside major urban areas, reflecting nationwide service failures that eroded customer loyalty[1].
This downturn has created a rare opening for 9mobile, Nigeria’s smallest major operator, to revive its fortunes. In July 2025, 9mobile secured a landmark roaming deal with MTN, Nigeria’s largest operator, granting its 1.4 million subscribers access to MTN’s extensive 2G–4G networks. This partnership could dramatically improve 9mobile’s coverage and service quality, helping it close the gap with larger rivals[1]. Analysts estimate that 9mobile could gain 250,000–300,000 subscribers monthly if service improvements materialize under the new roaming arrangement[1].
However, 9mobile faces its own challenges. Its ambitious $3 billion recovery plan has met skepticism, and the new roaming fees payable to MTN could pressure profitability unless 9mobile successfully expands its digital banking (9PSB) and other value-added services[1]. Industry experts suggest adopting a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) model could further strengthen its position[1].
| Factor | Impact on Glo | Opportunity for 9mobile | |-------------------------------|------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | SIM-NIN enforcement | Massive purge of inactive/unregistered SIMs | Potential to gain migrating subscribers | | Infrastructure deficit | Frequent outages, poor coverage | MTN roaming improves 9mobile’s coverage | | Management/innovation issues | Slow adaptation, leadership instability | Room to innovate and capture market share | | Regulatory/financial issues | Fines, unpaid fees damage reputation | Improved credibility if 9mobile executes well |
The race between Globacom and 9mobile is less about dominance and more about survival. Telecom experts suggest that 9mobile should focus on building out a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) model to aid its rapid recovery. The deal with MTN would require 9mobile to share a bulk of its revenue with MTN Nigeria for the next three years. Globacom's CEO, Ahmad Farroukh, resigned in May 2025 due to disagreements over management autonomy.
References: [1] TechCabal. (2025, July 1). 9mobile signs national roaming agreement with MTN Nigeria. Retrieved from https://techcabal.com/2025/07/01/9mobile-signs-national-roaming-agreement-with-mtn-nigeria/ [2] Nairametrics. (2025, September 15). Glo's subscriber base is now at levels last seen in November 2013. Retrieved from https://nairametrics.com/2025/09/15/glos-subscriber-base-is-now-at-levels-last-seen-in-november-2013/ [3] BusinessDay. (2025, October 1). Glo loses over 3.2 million internet subscribers in 6 months. Retrieved from https://www.businessdayonline.com/telecoms/article/glo-loses-over-3-2-million-internet-subscribers-in-6-months/
- The decline at Globacom, Nigeria's second-largest telecom operator, has triggered an opportunity for innovation in the fintech sector, as mobile technology and investment in digital banking services could help smaller operators like 9mobile strengthen their position.
- With the increased focus on cloud technology and internal operations efficiency, some experts suggest that 9mobile could turn its downturn around by adopting a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) model, which would allow them to leverage the extensive infrastructure of larger operators like MTN without incurring heavy maintenance costs.
- As regulatory fines and unpaid interconnection fees have dented Globacom's reputation, 9mobile could position itself as a more reliable partner for finance-focused businesses by demonstrating financial responsibility and adhering to industry norms.
- In light of management and innovation challenges faced by Globacom, 9mobile should seize the moment to adopt cutting-edge technology and finance practices, positioning itself as a leader in the field and attracting both customers and investors looking for innovation in the telecom and finance industries.