Nigeria’s leading telecommunications provider, MTN, has resumed nationwide operations following a shutdown on Tuesday. The temporary closure was in response to widespread customer outrage and vandalism triggered by the disconnection of subscribers who had not linked their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NINs).
On Wednesday, MTN announced its return to operations via X (formerly Twitter), confirming that its physical shops would be open 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 stated.
Over the weekend, many subscribers found themselves unable to access their phone lines after failing to verify their NINs with their SIMs, resulting in their numbers being blocked following NIN-SIM linkage regulations. This blockage prompted thousands of subscribers to storm telecom offices on Monday, leading the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to direct telecommunications operators to immediately restore all affected lines.
In a statement signed on Monday by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, the NCC 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, aims to enhance the country’s security and ensure an accurate SIM ownership database. Despite several deadline extensions, including the latest to July 31, 2024, many lines remain unverified.
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Since December 2023, the Commission has reviewed the deadline multiple times. Initially, April 15, 2024, was set as the deadline for full network compliance, except for subscribers with four or fewer SIMs with unverified NIN details. This deadline was 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 still not linked with verified NINs.
