The latest report from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reveals that 35,154 subscribers have embarked on a migration journey across networks in pursuit of enhanced service quality within the past year.
The comprehensive statistics, encompassing major players such as MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile, span the period from August 2022 to August 2023.
This significant movement reflects consumers’ relentless pursuit of superior network experiences, prompting them to exercise the option of number portability – a mechanism allowing users to switch telecom providers while retaining their existing phone numbers.
At the forefront of this transformative shift is MTN, the telecom giant boasting a substantial market share of 38.58% and a robust subscriber base of 85,005,917 as of August 2023.
The company has emerged as the preferred destination for users seeking a change, recording the highest number of inward porting – a phenomenon where subscribers migrate to a specific network.
The statistical journey commenced in August 2022, witnessing 2,389 subscribers opting for number portability.
This trend persisted through the subsequent months, with September 2022 recording 2,934 migrations, followed by 2,790 in October, 2,299 in November, and 2,826 in December of the same year.
The trend continued into 2023, with January seeing 2,581 migrations, February with 2,021, and March with 2,253.
As the months progressed, the numbers fluctuated to 4,077 in July 2023 and concluded the analyzed period with 2,592 migrations in August 2023.
The appeal of number portability lies in its facilitation of improved service quality, a factor considered crucial by Nigerian subscribers.
The ability to seamlessly transition from one network to another without losing the familiarity of their phone numbers has proven to be a game-changer, particularly in a market with approximately 40 million small businesses.
The report underscores the industry-wide significance of contactless payment solutions, signaling a transformation in Nigeria’s payment landscape.
The emergence of these solutions, including ‘tap on phone,’ ‘QR Pay by link,’ and ‘Payment link’ on smartphones, is poised to empower businesses, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), to effortlessly accept card payments at a reduced cost.
The experts participating in the panel session emphasized the potential of Mastercard’s contactless payment solution to drive a low-cost revolution in SMEs’ adoption of digital payments.
With nearly 40 million small businesses in Nigeria, the cost-effective contactless options are expected to facilitate growth by making payment acceptance devices financially feasible for SMEs.
Kari Tukur, Vice-President of Customer Solutions, East and West Africa at Mastercard, expressed the company’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria.
As the payments landscape evolves, Mastercard aims to support and accelerate the adoption of innovative payment methods, ultimately creating a digitally inclusive future for all.
In the fast-evolving realm of telecommunications and digital payments, these developments signal a transformative period, underscoring the dynamic preferences and demands of Nigerian consumers and businesses alike.