9mobile Company Profile

Background

9mobile, officially known as Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), is a Nigerian private limited liability company licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide a broad range of telecommunication services, including voice and data services, across the country. Established in 2008, 9mobile has built a reputation for delivering high-quality service, innovation, and exceptional customer experience among mobile network operators in Nigeria. The company's mission is to enhance lives through innovative and customer-centric telecommunication solutions, with a vision to be the most innovative and customer-friendly telecommunications company in Nigeria.

Key Strategic Focus

9mobile's strategic focus centers on:

Network Modernization: Investing over N70 billion in network upgrades, including the deployment of 600 new sites equipped with 4G LTE facilities, to enhance operations and market competitiveness.

Digital and Financial Inclusion: Offering services like 9pay, a mobile payment system enabling financial transactions such as money transfers, bill payments, and airtime top-ups, to promote financial inclusion among Nigerians.

Customer-Centric Innovation: Developing products and services tailored to meet the evolving needs of customers, particularly the youth demographic, through innovative marketing strategies and partnerships.

Financials and Funding

In July 2024, 9mobile completed an equity investment by LH Telecommunication Limited, resulting in LH Telecommunication acquiring a 95.5% stake in the company. This investment, approved by the African Export-Import Bank (AFREXIM), involved 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.

Pipeline Development

9mobile's ongoing initiatives include:

Network Expansion: Deploying additional 600 new sites equipped with 4G LTE facilities to enhance network coverage and quality.

Financial Services: Operating 9PSB, a Payment Service Bank, to provide banking services aimed at boosting financial inclusion and driving the Nigerian economy.

Technological Platform and Innovation

9mobile distinguishes itself through:

Proprietary Technologies: Implementing advanced network solutions to ensure high-quality service delivery.

Scientific Methodologies: Utilizing data analytics and customer feedback to drive product development and service improvements.

AI-Driven Capabilities: Exploring artificial intelligence to enhance customer service and operational efficiency.

Leadership Team

Following the acquisition by LH Telecommunication Limited, 9mobile reconstituted its board and leadership team:

Thomas Etuh: Chairman of the Board. An accomplished entrepreneur with over 36 years of experience across various sectors, including telecommunications.

Obafemi Banigbe: Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned technology executive with over 24 years in the telecommunications industry, having held leadership roles in various African markets.

Nahim Abe Ibraheem: Board Member. Over 30 years of experience in finance, oil trade, procurement, and manufacturing.

Femi Edun: Board Member. A financial services professional with over 35 years in assurance, consulting, credit ratings, research, investment banking, and proprietary investment.

Senator Daisy Danjuma: Board Member. Former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a distinguished record of service in various capacities.

Michael Ikpoki: Board Member. A seasoned business executive with over 25 years of experience in the African telecom industry, including roles as CEO of MTN Ghana and MTN Nigeria.

Ibrahim Puri: Board Member. Over 30 years of extensive banking experience, including roles in operations, marketing, retail, corporate banking, and human resources.

Gloria Danjuma: Board Member. A dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in driving growth and transformation across various industries.

Emmanuel Etuh: Board Member. A business executive with extensive experience in law, finance, and operations.

John Vasikiran: Chief Operating Officer. A technology business executive with over 25 years of experience, including roles as Group Chief Commercial Officer of Glo Nigeria, Glo Ghana, and Glo Benin.

Abolaji Idowu: Chief Financial Officer.

Leadership Changes

In July 2024, following the acquisition by LH Telecommunication Limited, 9mobile announced a new leadership team, including the appointment of Thomas Etuh as Chairman and Obafemi Banigbe as CEO.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The Nigerian telecommunications market is highly competitive, with major players including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, and Globacom. As of June 2024, 9mobile had approximately 11.3 million mobile users, making it the smallest operator among the four.

Competitor Analysis

MTN Nigeria: The largest operator with over 83 million subscribers as of June 2024, offering extensive network coverage and a wide range of services.