9mobile appoints Banigbe chief executive officer

• Published On: 05 July 2024 at 19:23

Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), often known as 9mobile, has named Obafemi Banigbe as its CEO.

This strategic move is part of the company's overall aim to enter a new phase of corporate transformation, Nigeria's fourth largest telecom operator by market share said in a statement to The Nigerianwatch on Friday.

9mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, was bought by Teleology Holdings with high hopes of turning it around, but it has continued to suffer in the Nigerian market.

The operator has experienced customer attrition, shedding customers from a peak of 22 million in October 2016 to slightly more than 15 million in November 2018.



Six years later, the operator falls behind with 11.7 million phone subscribers and 3.3 million internet users, according to National Bureau of Statistics Telecoms Data, which was issued on Monday.

The incoming CEO, Banigbe, is likely to have substantial C-suite expertise and a deep understanding of the African corporate scene.

The seasoned telecom expert and technology business leader succeeds Juergen Peschel, who will continue to assist 9mobile as a consultant with the ongoing transformation process that began under his guidance.

His telecom career began as Director of Operations for Celtel (now Airtel Nigeria). He has also held important positions at Ericsson in the Sub-Saharan Africa Market Unit, Millicom Ghana, and Millicom International Cellular Tanzania.

Notably, Banigbe previously served as Chief Operations Officer at Millicom Ghana, Interim CEO, and Chief Technical Officer for Millicom Ghana and Tanzania.

The 9mobile Board of Directors stated, "We are excited about the opportunities that await us and the positive impact that Obafemi will have on shaping 9mobile's future."

"He brings with him the vision, passion, and years of expertise from a variety of situations, which will help us focus on providing a great customer experience and long-term network quality.

"Obafemi is expected to work closely with the Board of Directors and all stakeholders to define credible and achievable long-term business plans, through the introduction of solutions to address the evolving needs of the Nigerian telecommunication market."

Banigbe highlighted his delight about joining 9mobile and the opportunity in the Nigerian telecoms business, which is characterised by fierce rivalry and substantial development potential.

"I am thrilled to join the 9mobile family, and I am excited to use my experience and unique value propositions to guide the firm into the next exciting chapter of its journey. The goal is to build on the company's existing base and create value that would alter the Nigerian telecoms sector," Banigbe stated.


Banigbe earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Nigeria's Federal University of Technology Minna.

He expanded his knowledge through the Ericsson Management Development Programme and the Advanced Management Programme at the London Business School before earning an MBA from Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom.