How to Port Your Mobile Number on Nigerian Mobile Networks

Are you quite dissatisfied with your current mobile network provider? You may need to port your mobile number on Nigerian mobile networks, one to another (from the original SIM you use to another). It is a viable option. What that simply means is that if you are using an MTN SIM card, you can change to Globacom SIM and network permanently but retain the same number. 

For reasons best known to you, retaining your old number may be beneficial. Especially if you have business partners, friends, and loved ones you do not wish to cut off due to a change of SIM.

What is Mobile Number Porting (MNP)?

Mobile Number Porting/Portability (MNP) is a service that allows mobile network subscribers to retain their phone numbers while switching permanently from one network service provider to another. 

If you are residing in Nigeria, you might have experienced disruption in call or data services one too frequently at one time or another. For some people, the simple solution is to have a phone with a dual SIM. By doing so, you can buy two SIMs from two different mobile network operators in the same phone.

There is a great advantage to having several mobile network providers to choose from at any time. So if one mobile network is faltering in performance (whether in data services, call functions, cost issues, or other reasons), you can use the other mobile network on your phone. 

However, another simple strategy as we mentioned above is the option of mobile number (or SIM) porting. It is a good way to maintain a connection with your contacts who are already familiar with your number.

History of Mobile Number Porting

Mobile number porting began in Singapore around 1997. By 2007, SIM porting services commenced in Malaysia. And from there the service was launched in several other countries across the entire globe.

Mobile number porting was launched in Nigeria in April 2013. According to the Nigerian Telecommunications Commission (NCC), 121,154 Nigerian subscribers in total ported their numbers between 2013 and 2019.  9mobile had the highest influx of ported numbers at 77,492 new subscribers. Airtel gained 30,026 new subscribers, MTN gained 23,851, and lastly, Globacom got an additional 7,653 subscribers.

Advantages of Mobile Number Porting 

1. Number porting promotes fair competition between mobile service providers. Thus it drives improved customer service, and better service quality overall. 

2. SIM porting prevents monopoly of the market by any mobile network operator. The established mobile network providers will not have an undue advantage over new mobile service providers attempting to penetrate the market. Because now the option of switching networks permanently is now made available to subscribers (who may be disgruntled with their original mobile service provider). 

Disadvantages of Mobile Number Porting

1. There is the potential confusion that arises in trying to identify which mobile network a ported number currently belongs to. Users may find it hard to quickly identify which network now owns the ported number. 

2. There are likely to be additional charges associated with number porting.

3. It may be difficult for the government to establish the actual number of subscribers in each mobile network provider’s database. This would mean the statistics need to be checked and updated again and again.

4. It is quite certain that most mobile service providers do not favor mobile number porting. Because it does not promote customer loyalty. 

To Port Your Mobile Number on Nigerian Mobile Networks: Follow the Steps Below 

We will guide you in learning how you can port your mobile number on Nigerian mobile networks with ease, just in case you need it. 

Mobile Porting on MTN Network

– Go to an MTN outlet and present your current mobile number for porting.

– Collect and fill out a Port-In form.

– You need to provide a valid government ID for verification.

– You will be provided with an MTN SIM card FREE OF CHARGE.

– Send the text code ‘PORT’ to 3232 from the old/existing SIM card, and wait for the confirmation. Alternatively, you can dial 3232 and follow the voice instructions to complete the procedure. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes. 

Mobile Porting on Globacom Network

– Visit any Glo Shop or authorized dealers to fill out a Mobile Number Porting form.

– You need to provide a valid government ID.

– You will be given a FREE Glo SIM card.

– Send the text code ‘PORT’ to 3232 from the old/existing SIM card and wait for the confirmation message. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes. 

Mobile Porting on 9mobile Network

– You can visit any 9mobile Experience center, or otherwise the 9mobile website to fill out a ‘Switch to 9mobile‘ form. 

– You will need to provide 1 passport photograph and a valid government ID card. 

– You will be provided with a FREE 9mobile SIM card. 

– – Send the code ‘PORT’ to 3232 from the old/existing SIM card and wait for the on-screen confirmation. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes. 

– Insert the new 9mobile SIM card into your phone and start using it.

Mobile Porting on Airtel Network

– Download the MNP (Mobile Number Porting) Request Form from the Airtel website HERE. 

– Attach one passport photograph or a copy of a valid government ID card to the form. Preferably both of them should be provided. 

– Locate an Airtel Shop to submit your form. You will be given an Airtel SIM card.

– Thereafter, send the code ‘PORT’ to 3232 from the old/existing SIM card. An SMS reply will be sent to you to confirm your submission.

– A second SMS message will be sent to you in a matter of moments. This will confirm that your SIM porting has been effected. 

– Insert the new Airtel SIM card into your phone and start using it.

Author: Omolola Akinyemi