Telecommunications giant MTN has resumed nationwide operations after a nationwide shutdown on Tuesday.
The temporary closure was in response to massive customer outrage and vandalism caused by the termination of users who did not link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers.
On Wednesday, MTN announced its return to operations through X (previously Twitter), announcing that its physical stores would be open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“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, several users were unable to access their phone lines because they failed to verify their NINs with SIMs, resulting in their numbers being restricted in accordance with NIN-SIM linkage legislation.
This blockade spurred thousands of subscribers to storm MTN offices on Monday, prompting the Nigerian Communications Commission to order telecom companies to quickly restore all impacted lines.
The NCC, in a statement signed on Monday by Reuben Muoka, Director of Media and Public Affairs, indicated that the instruction was issued in reaction to the extensive disruption and subscriber outrage caused by the blockages.
The mandatory connection of NINs with SIMs, which began in December 2020, was intended to improve the country’s security and ensure an accurate SIM ownership record.
Despite multiple deadline extensions, the most recent being July 31, 2024, many lines remain unconfirmed. Since December 2023, the Commission has reconsidered the deadline several times.
Initially, the deadline for the whole network was scheduled for April 15, 2024, with the exception of subscribers who had four or fewer SIMs with unverified NIN details.
This deadline was then extended to July 31, 2024, to provide consumers more time to guarantee that their submitted NIN information is correct.
Despite these extensions, many phone lines have yet to be linked to validated NINs.
