AGS NEWS – Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), operating as 9mobile, has appointed Obafemi Banigbe as its new Chief Executive Officer.

This move is part of 9mobile’s strategy to enter a new phase of business transformation, as announced in a statement to reporters.

Despite being Nigeria’s fourth largest telecom operator, 9mobile has faced challenges in the market since being acquired by Teleology Holdings.

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The company has seen a significant decline in subscribers, dropping from a peak of 22 million in October 2016 to 11.7 million voice subscribers and 3.3 million internet users as of the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Banigbe, who brings extensive experience from his previous roles at Celtel (now Airtel Nigeria), Ericsson, Millicom Ghana, and Millicom International Cellular Tanzania, succeeds Juergen Peschel.

Peschel will continue to support 9mobile as a consultant.

The 9mobile Board expressed confidence in Banigbe’s ability to enhance customer experience and network quality, stating, “He brings vision, passion, and years of experience from diverse environments, which will help us shape the future of 9mobile.”

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Banigbe is optimistic about his new role, highlighting the opportunities in the competitive Nigerian telecoms market. “I am delighted to join the 9mobile family and look forward to using my experience to lead the company into its next exciting phase,” he said.

Banigbe holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology Minna, an MBA from Manchester Business School, and has completed advanced programs at Ericsson Management Development Program and London Business School.