MTN resumes services after nationwide shutdown

Nigeria’s leading telecommunications provider, MTN, has resumed nationwide operations after a nationwide shutdown on Tuesday.

The temporary closure came in response to widespread customer outrage and vandalism, sparked by the disconnection of subscribers who failed to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers.

On Wednesday, MTN announced its return to operations via X (formerly Twitter), confirming 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.

Over the weekend, many subscribers found themselves 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.

This blockage prompted thousands of subscribers to storm telecom offices on Monday, leading the Nigerian Communications Commission to direct 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, explained that the directive was in response 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.