MTN resumes operations after shutting down nationwide
After shutting down nationwide on Tuesday, Nigeria’s frontline telecommunications provider, MTN, has resumed operations.
The temporary closure followed widespread customer outrage and vandalism triggered by the disconnection of subscribers who failed to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NIN).
The telecommunications outfit which announced return to operations via X (formerly Twitter), confirmed that its physical shops would be open to customers from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
“Y’ello customer, please note that our shops nationwide will be open today, 31 July. Operating hours: 8.00 am-3:00 pm. We are also available 24/7 to support you via digital channels,” the operator said.
Earlier, several subscribers were unable to access their phone lines after failing to verify their NINs with SIMs, leading to their numbers being blocked in compliance with NIN-SIM linkage regulations.
The blockage prompted thousands of subscribers to storm telecom offices on Monday.
Consequently, the Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC) directed telecommunications operators to immediately restore all affected lines.
The NCC, in a statement signed on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, had explained that the directive was sequel to the widespread disruption and subscriber outrage caused by the blockages.
The mandatory linkage of NINs with SIMs, initiated in December 2020, was geared towards enhancing the country’s security and ensuring an accurate SIM ownership database. Despite several deadline extensions, including the latest to July 31, 2024, many lines remain unverified.
Since December 2023, the Commission has reviewed the deadline multiple times. Initially, April 15, 2024, was set as the deadline for the full network, barring subscribers with four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN details.
This deadline was then extended to July 31, 2024, to give consumers more time to ensure their submitted NIN details are properly verified. Despite these extensions, many phone lines are yet to be linked with verified NINs.
