NCC urged to intervene as 9mobile service disruptions persist

Nigerian telecom operator 9mobile has been grappling with ongoing service outages since Friday, leaving subscribers across the country unable to make calls, access the internet, or use mobile data.

With the disruptions continuing into the sixth day, users are growing increasingly frustrated and are now calling on the Nigerian Communications Commission to step in and address the issue.

The President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, confirmed the ongoing service issues, emphasising that 9mobile’s financial difficulties are a key factor contributing to the persistent network disruptions.

“The network has been bad, and I can confirm it. It’s affecting a lot of subscribers across the country,” Ogunbanjo told The PUNCH.

With the situation worsening, Ogunbanjo is urging the NCC to take immediate action.

“The NCC needs to intervene immediately. It’s critical that they call a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the way forward and find solutions to the challenges 9mobile is facing,” he added.

He also reminded dissatisfied customers that mobile number portability allows them to switch service providers if they wish.

Several 9mobile subscribers have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction, citing poor network coverage, unresponsive customer service, and a total lack of signal in some areas.

A subscriber in Ejigbo, Lagos, urged the NCC to investigate the matter, stating, “It’s been too long without resolution. This is a serious issue, and we need the NCC to step in.”

A subscriber in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Emmanuel Davis, added, “Please, can someone tell me what is going on with the 9mobile network in Uyo? This is too much. It’s gone off now and then.”

Other users highlighted the widespread nature of the disruptions. Shekari Mercy responded, “Only five days and you’re complaining? Kafanchan in Kaduna and its environs have been without that network for over a year now.”

The Lead Public Relations Officer at 9mobile, Chineze Amanfo, has not yet responded to The PUNCH’s inquiries about the ongoing service disruptions.

The frustration is not limited to service outages alone. Some users are also dissatisfied with 9mobile’s customer support.

One customer, Rexwadada, expressed frustration over being unable to reach customer service, saying, “What is happening to the 9mobile Network? I can’t even reach their customer care line to complain because my line was suddenly barred.”

9mobile, acquired by LightHouse Telecommunications in July 2024, has long faced operational challenges, including declining investment in infrastructure.

These difficulties have contributed to a steady decrease in the number of ported subscribers, dropping from a peak of 22,539 in July 2015 to around 3,000 per month in recent years.