The management of telecommunications giant MTN has announced the closure of all its shops across Nigeria following protests over the massive disconnection of SIM cards due to non-linkage with National Identification Numbers (NIN).
This announcement was made via the company’s official social media handles, stating that the offices would be closed today, Tuesday, July 30, 2024.
The notice reads: “Y’ello Customer, Please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July. We are available 24/7 to support you via our digital channels.”
Scores of Nigerians stormed MTN offices in major cities to protest the disconnection of their SIM cards. Thousands of Nigerians woke up on Sunday to find their SIM cards barred by MTN management.
The disconnection follows pressure from Nigerian regulators for telcos to implement the NIN-linkage policy introduced in December 2020. In February 2024, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) instructed telcos to bar subscribers who failed to link their phone numbers to their NIN by February 28, 2024. The deadline was extended to April 15, 2024, and later to July 31, 2024.
Some angry Nigerians destroyed parts of the MTN office in Festac Town, Lagos State, on Monday. Customers were seen pulling down a gate belonging to MTN.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) alleged that telecommunications companies are intentionally sabotaging the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria. In a statement released on Sunday titled ‘Sabotage By Telecoms Companies,’ Adegboruwa urged the NCC to take immediate action to protect the interests of subscribers. The statement accused telecoms companies of disconnecting subscribers for flimsy reasons.
“For the past few days, some telecoms companies have been disconnecting their subscribers for very flimsy and untenable reasons. Some allege lack of NIN registration or linking, while some did not give any reason at all,” it said.
However, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON), Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, has denied the allegation.