MTN Nigeria has temporarily closed all its offices nationwide in a dramatic escalation of tensions following widespread SIM card blocking.
The move comes after a spate of protests, including the vandalization of an MTN facility in Lagos, sparked by the disconnection of numerous subscribers due to inconsistencies in their National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM registration details.
The telecom giant announced the closure on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, citing safety concerns for its staff and customers. While the company did not explicitly state the reason for the closures, it is widely believed to be a direct response to the growing public anger over the SIM blocking issue.
Viral videos on social media captured the fury of affected subscribers, who accused MTN of disconnecting lines without adequate notice or recourse. The incident in Festac, Lagos, where a mob damaged the MTN office, underscored the depth of public frustration.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has since intervened, directing all mobile service providers to reactivate disconnected lines. The regulator emphasized its commitment to protecting consumer interests.
MTN’s decision to shutter its offices highlights the significant challenges faced by telecom operators in implementing government policies while maintaining customer satisfaction. The incident also raises questions about the effectiveness of the NIN-SIM linkage initiative and the need for more transparent and customer-centric approaches to policy implementation.
