Tech

9mobile refutes shutdown rumor amid rising complaints by subscribers

Published

2 months ago

March 23, 2025

Telecommunications operator, 9mobile, has described as untrue the rumors suggesting that it has shut down its operations.

The rumor follows incessant complaints by the telco’s subscribers over deteriorating service quality and their inability to port from the network to another network.

9mobile in a statement released by its management on Friday admitted that its subscribers have been facing difficulties in porting but denied putting in place any restriction.

“9mobile categorically refutes the false and misleading rumors suggesting an alleged shutdown of our operations in Nigeria.

“These claims are entirely baseless and aimed at causing unnecessary panic among our valued subscribers.

We understand that some customers have recently faced challenges, particularly with Mobile Number Portability (MNP), a service that enables seamless network switching.

“We want to clarify that 9mobile has never restricted customers from porting to other networks,” the company stated.

9mobile blames technical issue

While insisting that it remains fully compliant with industry regulations and committed to delivering fair, transparent, and customer-focused services, 9mobile said the issues currently being faced by its customers are a result of “temporary technical challenges.”

“These issues have now been largely resolved. Some minor delays may still occur due to ongoing system optimizations, but we are actively working to ensure a smoother experience for all users,” it added.

The company said it remains resilient and steadfast in its commitment to overcoming challenges as a proudly Nigerian brand.
9mobile also acknowledged the service disruptions being experienced by some of its customers across different locations in the country, adding that “these disruptions are part of a broader transformation effort aimed at modernizing our infrastructure and improving overall service quality.
It further stated that its ongoing investments in network upgrades and service expansion would soon yield significant improvements, ensuring reliable connectivity for individuals, businesses, and communities.

“We sincerely appreciate the patience and loyalty of our subscribers during this transition.

“While challenges exist, we are making significant progress and are confident that brighter days are ahead. We remain dedicated to providing exceptional service and keeping you connected to limitless opportunities,” the telco stated.

What you should know

Over the past few years, customers of 9mobile have been experiencing service disruptions as the telco struggled to secure new investments to upgrade its network capacity.

This has seen many of its customers ported to other networks, leading to a significant drop in its customer base.

As of January 2025, data released by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) shows that 9mobile was left with 3.2 million active subscribers down from over 22 million subscribers at its peak in 2016.

Meanwhile, in July last year, 9mobile announced it had been acquired by LH Telecommunication Limited to reposition the company.
The investment, which was approved by the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), the senior lender to 9Mobile in May 2023, resulted in a change in control of 9Mobile in favor of the new investor by the issuance of new shares amounting to 95.5% of 9Mobile to the new investor in consideration for the injection of fresh capital into the company.
Pursuant to the injection of capital, the new investor appointed a new Board for the company.

The impact of the new investment is still being expected as 9mobile’s customers are yet to see improvements in the company’s service quality.

Tech

FCCPC Accuses Meta Of Bullying Tactics Amid Exit Threat

Published

1 week ago

May 3, 2025

By Abubakar Yunusa Ojima-Ojo

Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has accused Meta Platforms, the parent company of WhatsApp, of resorting to “calculated blackmail” and “market bullying” after the tech giant threatened to exit the Nigerian market amid regulatory scrutiny.

In a strongly worded statement on Friday, the FCCPC condemned Meta’s threats, asserting that “quitting Nigeria does not absolve Meta of liability.”

The accusations follow a comprehensive investigation by the Commission, which uncovered “multiple and repeated infringements” of Nigerian laws by Meta and WhatsApp, including violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

The FCCPC alleged that Meta “denied Nigerians the right to control their personal data,” engaged in unauthorised data transfers, discriminated against Nigerian users compared to those in other jurisdictions, and abused its dominant market position by imposing unfair privacy policies.

Drawing parallels with Meta’s global regulatory challenges, the FCCPC highlighted that the company has faced significant fines abroad, including a $1.5 billion penalty in Texas and a $1.3 billion fine for violating EU data privacy rules.

“In India, South Korea, France, and Australia, Meta faced penalties — but never resorted to blackmail or exit threats. They obeyed,” the Commission noted.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has upheld the FCCPC’s findings, issuing a final order mandating Meta to “comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards, and respect consumer rights.”

Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, accused Meta of attempting to manipulate public sentiment with its exit threats.

“WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria appears to be a calculated move aimed at inducing negative public reaction and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision,” Ijagwu said.

The FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing consumer protection and data privacy laws, stating, “We remain committed to ensuring a fairer digital market in Nigeria.”

Tech

Meta Threatens Nigeria Shutdown Over $290M Fines, “Unrealistic” Demands

Published

1 week ago

May 2, 2025

By OBSERVERS TIMES .

Social media giant Meta has warned it may be forced to shut down its Facebook and Instagram platforms in Nigeria due to over $290 million in cumulative fines and what it deems “unrealistic” regulatory demands from Nigerian authorities.
The parent company of WhatsApp stated it faces potential withdrawal to avoid enforcement actions after a federal high court in Abuja upheld fines issued by three Nigerian agencies in 2023.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) levied a $220 million fine against Meta for alleged anti-competitive practices. The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) imposed a $37.5 million penalty for unauthorized advertisements, while the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) fined the tech giant $32.8 million for purported breaches of data privacy regulations.
Meta has voiced significant concern particularly regarding the NDPC’s directive requiring prior approval for any transfer of personal data outside Nigeria, labeling this demand “unrealistic.” The NDPC also mandated Meta to develop educational content on data privacy risks in collaboration with government-approved entities, a requirement Meta contends is impractical and based on a misinterpretation of privacy laws.
The federal high court has reportedly given Meta until the end of June to settle the outstanding fines.

Tech

Telecom Blackout in Kogi Ends: Services Resume Wednesday After MTN Deal

Published

2 weeks ago

April 30, 2025

By OBSERVERS TIMES .

Subscribers in Kogi State can expect the return of telecommunications services by Wednesday following a resolution between MTN Nigeria and the state government, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said.
ALTON Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, told PUNCH Online on Tuesday that the dispute that caused the shutdown of MTN’s telecom masts in the state has been resolved.
The disruption arose from accusations by the Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency (KUIMCA) that MTN violated operational rules by under-declaring its optic fibre network. A verification exercise by KUIMCA indicated a larger network than reported by MTN, leading to demands for additional payments. MTN’s refusal resulted in a court-ordered shutdown.
KUIMCA Director General, Taofeeq Isah, had earlier highlighted MTN’s non-compliance. Kogi authorities had also accused MTN of tax evasion.
“We have resolved the issues. Services will be fully restored on Wednesday,” Adebayo assured.

Tech

Beyond English: Meta Expand AI to Speak Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo.

Published

3 weeks ago

April 24, 2025

By Jide Ayola.

Goloka Analytics, a tech startup originating from Dataphyte, has announced a partnership with Meta to enhance the inclusion of indigenous African languages within artificial intelligence (AI) systems.
The collaboration, announced on Wednesday, falls under Meta’s local language partnership program. It will focus on gathering linguistic data for five key Nigerian languages: Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Fulfulde, and Urhobo.
Joshua Olufemi, the founder of Goloka Analytics, hailed the partnership as a significant stride towards achieving digital representation and preserving cultural heritage within the technology sector.
Olufemi explained that the collected datasets will contribute to broader AI systems, ensuring they reflect local knowledge and foster equitable access to technology throughout the Global South.
“By utilizing our hyperlocal data collection model, our aim is to deliver high-quality linguistic datasets that contribute to the development of more precise and inclusive technologies,” he stated. “Our focus is on gathering data that mirrors local realities and champions fair representation for communities historically underrepresented in digital technologies.”
Oluseyi Olufemi, Country Lead at Dataphyte, emphasized that the partnership aligns with Goloka’s broader commitment to language, learning, and localization.
“The language datasets generated through this project will be integrated into wider AI systems, facilitating equitable and relevant application across various sectors,” he added.
Both Goloka and Dataphyte have called for the involvement of stakeholders from the public, private, and civic sectors to ensure that the advancement of AI remains inclusive and decentralized.