Telecommunications operator 9mobile has dismissed speculations that it is shutting down operations in Nigeria, despite the ongoing legal dispute over its ownership.
The company, in a statement released over the weekend, assured subscribers that it remains committed to providing quality services and addressing any network challenges.
The ownership tussle intensified earlier this month when Abubakar Funtua, son of the late business mogul Isa Funtua, sued Hayatu Hadejia and Seltrix Limited at the Federal High Court in Abuja over control of Emerging Markets Telecommunications Limited, the parent company of 9mobile.
Funtua also named several other high-profile defendants in the suit, including former Chief of Army Staff Theophilus Danjuma and his company, LH Telecommunication Limited. Others involved in the case include Seltrix Limited, the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Teleology Nigeria Limited, and a director at Teleology, Mohammed Edewor.
At the core of the dispute is Funtua’s claim that he is the rightful owner of N43 million ordinary shares held in trust by Seltrix Limited in Teleology Nigeria Limited. He has asked the court to nullify the transfer of these shares, arguing that the transaction was conducted in violation of corporate agreements.
While legal proceedings continue, 9mobile has reassured its customers that it is not shutting down. Addressing concerns about service disruptions and Mobile Number Portability (MNP), the company clarified that recent difficulties were due to technical issues, not an attempt to restrict customers from switching networks.
“We understand that some customers have recently faced challenges, particularly with Mobile Number Portability. We want to clarify that 9mobile has never restricted customers from porting to other networks,” the company stated.
9mobile acknowledged temporary service disruptions but attributed them to ongoing infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving network quality.
“As a proudly Nigerian brand, we remain steadfast in our commitment to overcoming challenges. Our ongoing investments in network upgrades and service expansion will soon yield significant improvements, ensuring reliable connectivity for individuals, businesses, and communities,” the statement read.
9mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, entered the market in 2008 but encountered financial difficulties in 2017 when it defaulted on a $1.2 billion loan secured from a group of local banks. Unable to reach a resolution with creditors, its parent company, the UAE-based Etisalat Group, pulled out of Nigeria, leading to a restructuring of ownership under Teleology Nigeria Limited.
Despite interventions by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), 9mobile has struggled to compete with larger telecom operators like MTN, Airtel, and Globacom. The economic downturn in Nigeria has further worsened its financial position.
9mobile maintains that its current challenges are temporary and that subscribers will soon experience improved service quality. “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,” the statement concluded.
As the legal battle over ownership unfolds, the telecom operator reassures Nigerians that it is here to stay and will continue to provide reliable network services.
