Nigeria’s largest telecommunication provider has resumed nationwide operations following a statewide shutdown on Tuesday.
A temporary closure was implemented due to massive outcry from customers and vandalism caused by the disconnections of subscribers who neglected 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.
Due to a lack of NIN-SIM linkage compliance, several subscribers discovered over the weekend that they were unable to access their phone lines. As a result, their numbers were blocked.
Thousands of customers stormed telecom offices on Monday as a result of this blockage, and the Nigerian Communications Commission ordered telecoms companies to quickly restore all impacted 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 goal of the December 2020 mandate to link NINs with SIMs was to improve national security and provide a precise SIM ownership database. Many lines are still unverified even after multiple deadline extensions, the most recent of which was extended to July 31, 2024.
The deadline has been reviewed by the Commission several times since December 2023. The deadline for the entire network was originally scheduled for April 15, 2024, barring subscribers who had four or fewer SIMs that had unverified NIN details.
In order to provide customers more time to make sure their NIN details given are accurately verified, the deadline was again extended to July 31, 2024. Many phone lines have not yet been connected to certified NINs in spite of these extensions.
