9mobile appoints Banigbe CEO

Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited (EMTS), trading as 9mobile, has announced the appointment of Obafemi Banigbe as its Chief Executive Officer.

The strategic move is part of the company’s broader plan to embark on a new phase of business transformation, Nigeria’s fourth-largest telecom operator by market share said in a statement to The PUNCH on Friday.

9mobile, formerly known as Etisalat Nigeria, was acquired by Teleology Holdings in the hope of improving its situation, but it continues to struggle in the Nigerian market.

The operator has been struggling with customer attrition, dropping from 22 million in October 2016 to just over 15 million in November 2018.

Six years later, the operator remains behind with 11.7 million voice subscribers and 3.3 million internet users, according to data from the National Bureau of Telecommunications Statistics released on Monday.

New CEO Banigbe is expected to bring his extensive C-suite experience and in-depth knowledge of the African business landscape to the company.

The experienced telecommunications expert and technology industry leader replaces Juergen Peschel, who will continue to support 9mobile as a consultant and help with the ongoing transformation process initiated under his leadership.

His career in the telecommunications industry began at Celtel (now Airtel Nigeria) as Chief Operating Officer. He also held senior positions at Ericsson in the Sub-Saharan Africa Market Unit, Millicom Ghana and Millicom International Cellular Tanzania.

It is worth noting that Banigbe previously served as Chief Operating Officer for Millicom Ghana and Interim CEO and Chief Technical Officer for Millicom Ghana and Tanzania.

The 9mobile board stated: “We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the positive impact Obafemi will have in shaping the future of 9mobile.

“He brings with him vision, passion and many years of experience gained in various environments, which will allow us to consolidate our priorities in terms of providing the highest quality of service to customers and maintaining a high quality network.

“Obafemi is expected to work closely with the Board of Directors and all stakeholders to define credible and achievable long-term business plans, by introducing solutions aimed at meeting the evolving needs of the Nigerian telecommunications market.”

Banigbe expressed his enthusiasm about joining 9mobile and the opportunities offered by the Nigerian telecommunications industry, which is highly competitive and has significant growth potential.

“I am delighted to join the 9mobile family and look forward to leveraging my experience and unique value propositions to lead the company in the next exciting phase of its journey. The aim is to build on the company’s existing foundations to create value that will transform the Nigerian telecommunications sector,” Banigbe said.

Banigbe holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.

He further expanded his expertise by participating in the Ericsson Management Development Program and the Advanced Management Program at London Business School, and his academic career was crowned by an MBA from Manchester Business School in the UK.