The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released statistics showing that Mobile Number Portability (MNP) dropped to 1,251 in July 2026, from 1,268 in June 2026. This decline is attributed to a fairly stable network, resulting from improved telecoms services. According to telecoms experts, the drop indicates that subscribers are experiencing better network quality. The NCC statistics also reveal that MTN maintained its leading position in incoming porting for the 12th consecutive month.
MTN recorded 613 incoming porting subscribers in July 2026, down from 704 in June 2026. Despite the decline, the network continues to attract subscribers seeking quality services. The statistics also show that T2 recorded the highest number of outgoing porting subscribers in July, with 461 subscribers leaving its network. Airtel followed with 317 subscribers leaving its network, while MTN had 257 subscribers leave its network.
Globacom had the least number of outgoing subscribers, with 216 subscribers leaving its network in July 2026. This indicates that subscribers are gaining confidence in Globacom's network, with more subscribers choosing to retain their services. On the other hand, VITEL did not record any outgoing subscribers but gained 21 new subscribers that ported into its network.
Incoming porting refers to the transfer of mobile numbers from one service provider to another at the request of subscribers who wish to change their service providers while keeping their telephone numbers. Outgoing porting, on the other hand, refers to the loss of subscribers when mobile numbers are transferred from one service provider to another.
The NCC statistics also provide a breakdown of incoming porting subscribers for each network from January to July 2026. In January 2026, MTN recorded 740 new subscribers, Airtel recorded 494, Globacom recorded 215, T2 recorded 12, and VITEL recorded seven. These numbers indicate that MTN has consistently been the leading network in terms of incoming porting subscribers.
In the months of February and March 2026, MTN recorded 1,183 and 875 incoming porting subscribers, respectively. Airtel recorded 428 and 217 incoming porting subscribers, while Globacom recorded 195 and 142 incoming porting subscribers, respectively. VITEL and T2 also recorded smaller numbers of incoming porting subscribers during this period.
The trend of mobile number portability in Nigeria suggests that subscribers are actively seeking better network services. While MTN continues to lead in incoming porting, other networks such as Globacom are gaining confidence among subscribers. The NCC statistics provide valuable insights into the dynamics of the Nigerian telecoms industry.
Key points
- MTN leads in incoming porting for the 12th consecutive month.
- Mobile number portability drops to 1,251 in July 2026.
- Globacom has the least number of outgoing subscribers.
