Telecom
How Insecurity Impacts Mobile Phone Subscription in Nigeria
Latest telecommunications special edition poll results released by NOIPolls Limited have revealed that a higher proportion of Nigerians use 2 phone lines either registered under one network provider or under two different ones.
This trend has been consistent from 2012 to 2014; however, a 5-point reduction in the proportion of Nigerians in this category was seen from 2012 to 2013 and 3-points increase in 2014.
An assessment of the mobile network used by Nigerians placed MTN as the highest used network in the past two years (2012-2013) and even in the present times; although subscription to this provider has consistently declined within this period.
According to the MTN group, this decline has been mainly due to ‘regulatory restrictions’ imposed by the telecoms watchdog and growing spate of unrest by Boko Haram especially in the Northern part of Nigeria.
Other Networks used by Nigerians in the order of higher subscribers include; Airtel (45%), Etisalat (33%), Glo (28%) and Visafone (1%).
In line with this, the proportion of Airtel subscribers which seemed steady from 2012 to 2013 at (39%), picked up by 6-points in 2014 (45%), thus, making it the only network that has seen a considerable growth in the proportion of its users.
This increase may have been driven by the discovery of the cheaper tariffs offered by this network compared with other networks.
More findings on the usage of phone lines revealed a higher proportion of subscribers (76%) use MTN as their main line; this could have been as a result of a first mover advantage earned by this operator.
In addition, 15% of mobile network subscribers indicated Airtel as their main line, 5% indicated Glo, while 4% of subscribers use Etisalat as their main line.
An assessment of the services provided by network providers revealed that a higher proportion (64%) of mobile phone users across all networks are getting value for money from their main network provider through the ‘quality of network services’ (27%), ‘bonus offers’ (25%) and ‘cheaper tariff’ (23%) among others.
Furthermore, MTN ranks highest for providing best services in Nigeria in 2014, followed by Airtel and Etisalat (68%, 17% and 11% respectively) and to further improve the quality of services of Network providers, subscribers have suggested the ‘reduction of tariff’ (30%) as a measure for improving the quality of telecommunication services while capitalizing on ‘wider network coverage’ (22%) and ‘improved network services’ (22%).
These were some of the key findings from the Telecommunications snap poll conducted in the week of November 17th 2014.
At the dawn of the 21st century, mobile network providers were granted licenses to operate in Nigeria, hence, the introduction of the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) which subsequently changed the frontage of telecommunications in Nigeria.
In the present times, figures obtained from Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), reveals that the teledensity of the country’s telecommunications industry increased to 96.08 per cent in September, from the 90.78 per cent in March 2014 just as active lines in the nation’s telecommunications industry increased to 134,507,329 in September 2014.
Nigeria’s teledensity is currently calculated by NCC on a population of 130 million people.
Given this major breakthrough in the telecommunications industry, and with the competitive nature of the industry due to the advent of different players, ‘Quality of Service’ has been the major criteria for measuring the satisfaction of mobile network subscribers.
In line with Section 89 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 which mandates the Commission to monitor all significant matters relating to the performance of all licensed telecoms service providers, the Commission placed a ban on the sales of new SIM cards in March 2014 and on promotions or bonus offers on some mobile networks operators recently, following the failure of these operators to meet the various Quality of Service (QoS) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Against this background, NOIPolls conducted it special edition poll on the telecommunications in Nigeria, to explore the current state of the sector from the perspective of consumers. The poll sought to measure the following:
Key Findings:
Respondents to the poll were asked ten specific questions; only 6 of these questions are discussed in this release. With the aim of assessing the usage of mobile phone lines in Nigeria, respondents were asked: How many phone lines do you currently use?
Findings from the current poll highlights that a higher proportion of Nigerians use 2 phone lines.
These lines could either be registered under one network provider or under two different ones.
The use of 2 or more lines could probably be driven by the need to overcome certain issues associated with mobile network which could range from accessibility to cost. In addition, 33% of Nigerians use one line, 17% use 3 lines, while 7% confirmed they use more than 3 lines.
The use of 2 phone lines seems like the norm across all geo-political zones, except for the North-West zone where the higher proportion of the residents use one phone line.
The North-East zone (33%: 22%+10%) and the South-West zone (31%: 23%+8%) accounted for the highest proportion of respondents who use 3 or more phone lines.
A 3-year trend analysis on the usage of phone lines in Nigeria revealed a consistent trend of 2 phone line usage by Nigerians from 2012 to 2014, however there was a 5-point reduction in the proportion of Nigerians in this category from 2012 to 2013 and 3-points increase in 2014.
More findings revealed that more residents from the North-East zone use more than 3 phone lines in 2014 compared with the past 2 years with a significant increase of 9-points from 2013 (1%) to 2014 (10%).
A view of the trend on phone usage across age-groups revealed that Nigerians within the age-group of 18-21 years have increasingly adapted the use of 2 phone lines over the years; from 2012 where it was lowest to 2014 (41%) with the highest record.
This increase in this category of Nigerians has stimulated a drop in the use of 1 line by this age-group. On the other hand, respondents aged 61+ have continuously reduced the use of 3 or more lines to settle for the use of 1 to 2 lines from 2012 to 2014.
Subsequently, with the aim of exploring the mobile network providers used by Nigerians, respondents were asked: Which network provider(s) do you currently use?
Findings revealed that MTN is the highest used line as confirmed by the vast majority of respondents (91%); this is followed by Airtel (45%) and Etisalat (33%). While 28% of Nigerians use Glo, only 1% of Nigerians use Visafone.
This finding validates the data of the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) which revealed the movement of Airtel Nigeria Limited up to the second place in terms of market share on the number of mobile subscribers on its network with MTN maintaining the first position.
Trend analysis on the network providers used by Nigerians from 2012 to 2014 depicts a consistent decline in the proportion of Nigerians who subscribe to MTN from 2012 to 2014 with a total decline of 4-points within this period.
According to the MTN group, this decline has been mainly due to ‘regulatory restrictions’ imposed by the telecoms watchdog and the growing spate of unrest by Boko Haram especially in the Northern part of Nigeria.
While a significant 10-point decline in the proportion of Glo subscribers from 2012 (38%) to 2013 (28%) was seen, there has been no difference in this category of subscribers since then. The same applies to Etisalat with an 8-point decline from 2012 (40%) to 2013 (32%) although a slight 1-point increase was recorded in 2014.
On the other hand, the proportion of Airtel subscribers which seemed steady from 2012 to 2013 at (39%), picked up by 6-points in 2014 (45%), thus, making it the only network that has seen a considerable growth in the proportion of its users, among other findings by NOIPolls.
Moniepoint, Nigeria’s leading fintech and business banking provider, has unveiled a detailed case study showcasing its pivotal role in powering trade and financial inclusion in Onitsha, West Africa’s largest market.
The report provides an in-depth look at how Moniepoint’s digital payment solutions and innovative business support tools are transforming the commercial landscape for thousands of traders and businesses in the region.
The case study, titled “How Moniepoint is Driving Trade in West Africa’s Largest Market,” draws on extensive field research and firsthand accounts from market participants.
“It highlights the unique challenges of operating in Onitsha’s dynamic environment and demonstrates how Moniepoint’s technology is enabling seamless transactions, improving access to financial services, and fostering trust among merchants.
Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO and Co-founder of Moniepoint Inc, commented: “Our mission has always been to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive.
“This case study is a testament to the impact of digital innovation in Africa’s most vibrant markets.
“By providing reliable, accessible, and secure financial services, we are not just facilitating transactions-we are helping to build stronger, more resilient communities.”
Key findings from the report reveal that Moniepoint’s integrated platform has significantly reduced payment bottlenecks, enhanced business efficiency, and contributed to the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the market.
The study also explores the enduring apprenticeship system in Onitsha and how digital tools are supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Excerpts from the Report’s Findings:
Onitsha Market as a Living Business School:
Beyond trade, Onitsha functions as a structured business incubator through the Igbo apprenticeship system. Generations of entrepreneurs are created, transferring wealth, trade secrets, and business skills without formal academic structures.
Payments Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Safety and Speed:
Transitioning from cash to digital payments (led significantly by Moniepoint) dramatically reduced risks of theft, enabled faster transactions, and eliminated costly bank runs — unlocking smoother business flows in one of Africa’s busiest markets.
Massive Digital Payment Penetration at the Grassroots:
Today, 2 out of 3 in-person payments in Onitsha are via Moniepoint POS terminals. This shows that digital finance can deeply penetrate highly traditional, informal economies when solutions are hyperlocal, reliable, and frictionless.
Access to Instant Credit as a Growth Accelerator:
Merchants can now leverage digital transaction histories to secure fast loans, allowing them to stock up quickly when market prices fluctuate — a crucial competitive advantage in volatile, high-volume markets.
Hyperlocal Support and Trust as the Differentiator:
Moniepoint’s dedicated local account managers who understand cultural nuances (even language) have been critical to building trust — proving that digital financial services must be deeply embedded in community realities to succeed.
This latest case study adds to the growing pool of thought leadership materials curated by Moniepoint for the benefit of stakeholders – regulators, investors and the general public aimed at improving their understanding of the financial services ecosystem in Nigeria.
Past case studies have explored family-owned businesses, community pharmacies, women owned businesses and the Informal Economy Report.
Moniepoint’s ongoing commitment to financial inclusion and economic development has positioned it as a catalyst for growth across Nigeria and beyond.
The company processes over $17 billion in transactions monthly and continues to expand its reach, supporting millions of businesses with payments, banking, credit, and business management solutions.
Airtel Africa has announced an agreement with SpaceX to bring Starlink’s high-speed internet services to its customers in Africa. Currently, SpaceX has acquired requisite licenses in 9 out of 14 countries within Airtel Africa’s footprint. Operating licenses for the other 5 countries are under process.
With this collaboration, Airtel Africa will further enhance its next-generation satellite connectivity offerings and augment connectivity for enterprises, businesses, and socio-economic communities like schools, health centres in even the most rural parts of Africa. Airtel Africa will also explore rural coverage expansion through cellular backhauling.
Airtel Africa and SpaceX will continue to explore other areas to promote digital inclusion in the continent as well as SpaceX’s ability to utilize and benefit from Airtel’s ground network infrastructure and other capabilities in Africa.
Airtel Africa MD and Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said: “We remain deeply committed to our vision to enrich the lives of people of Africa. This partnership with SpaceX is a significant step to demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing Africa’s digital economy through strategic investments and partnerships.
Next-generation satellite connectivity will ensure that every individual, business, and community have reliable and affordable voice and data connectivity even in the most remote and currently under-served parts of Africa.”
SpaceX Vice President of Starlink Business Operations Chad Gibbs said: “We are very excited to work with Airtel to bring the transformative benefits of Starlink to the African people in new and innovative ways.
“Starlink is available in more than 20 African markets and this agreement with Airtel highlights how, once licensed, Starlink welcomes the opportunity to join forces with important industry leaders to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from Starlink’s presence. The team at Airtel has played a pivotal role in Africa’s telecom story, so working with them to complement our direct offering across Africa makes great sense for our business.”
In a world often dominated by corporate profit margins and bottom-line thinking, it’s easy to overlook the quieter revolutions happening behind the scenes.
In Nigeria, one such movement is being quietly driven not by executives in boardrooms, but by employees armed with a powerful sense of purpose to go make a difference.
Each year, MTN Nigeria’s staff volunteers set aside their day jobs to participate in Y’ello Care, the company’s corporate social responsibility initiative. But in 2024, they did more than volunteer — they raised over NGN20 million from their own pockets to renovate a crumbling school block at Iwerekun Community High School, Lakowe.
Iwerekun Community High School, before the intervention, was a picture of broken promise: dilapidated classrooms, leaking roofs, and a lack of basic facilities. Students struggled to learn in an environment that failed to inspire hope. Today, thanks to the hands-on efforts of MTN employees, the school boasts refurbished classrooms, a steady water supply, and even an inverter system to ensure stable electricity. More importantly, it offers a renewed sense of possibility.
Speaking about the 2024 edition, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria, said, “Y’ello Care is the MTN Nigeria ecosystem giving back and contributing time, money, and resources to make a positive impact. Last year, we focused on education in remote areas, supporting three projects that will provide access to quality education for young Nigerians. And we are eager for the 2025 edition.”
Beyond renovations, previous editions of Y’ello Care have touched lives across Nigeria. Employees have organised vocational skill workshops, distributed learning materials through the KNOSK Charity Education Initiative, and mentored students to equip them for the future. From building digital libraries to delivering healthcare services through mobile clinics, MTN’s staff-led projects focus on long-term empowerment rather than short-term charity.
For many MTN volunteers, Y’ello Care is personal. Christiana Agyei, a participant in one of MTN’s earlier vocational training programmes, went from an unemployed single mother to a thriving entrepreneur. Today, she employs others in her soap-making business, a ripple effect that began with one employee-led workshop.
Over the past 18 years, Y’ello Care has grown into more than a CSR programme; it has become a culture within MTN, a living, breathing part of the company’s identity. Each initiative is not just a project, but a commitment to building the kind of Nigeria where opportunity isn’t determined by postcode or privilege.
At the commissioning of the Lakowe project, Honourable Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Commissioner of the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, summed it up simply: “The education sector worldwide thrives on collaboration and commitment between public and private partners.
“MTN’s generous contribution is truly recognised, and I express my deepest gratitude for its unwavering commitment to supporting education in Lagos State.
“This new facility will provide a conducive environment for teaching and learning, enabling our students to reach their full potential.”
As Nigeria faces ever-evolving economic and social challenges, initiatives like Y’ello Care offer a template for how corporations can genuinely transform the communities they serve, not with slogans, but with sleeves rolled up and boots on the ground.
In the end, it’s not about NGN20 million or refurbished buildings. It’s about faith restored, dreams reignited, and the simple, radical idea that change begins with care.
Beyond Y’ello Care: MTN’s has had Broader Impact through its Foundation
Beyond Y’ello Care MTN Foundation has impacted the society through critical initiatives such as:
Healthcare Interventions: Through the Y’ello Doctor Mobile Medical Intervention Scheme, MTN provided free primary healthcare services to individuals across communities. Since its inception, the initiative has impacted thousands of Nigerians.
Vocational Training & Entrepreneurship Support: In collaboration with partners, MTN facilitated skill acquisition workshops that enabled over 500 Nigerians—including women and persons with disabilities—to launch small businesses. Over 65% of participants actively applied their new skills, and 50% successfully started businesses.
Scholarships & Digital Libraries: MTN Y’ello Care has established digital libraries and awarded scholarships to students, ensuring that quality education is accessible to as many young Nigerians as possible.
As Y’ello Care continues to grow, MTN remains dedicated to expanding its impact, especially in underserved areas. By investing in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment, the initiative is building a brighter future for Nigeria, one project at a time.
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