Nigeria’s leading telecommunications provider, MTN, has resumed nationwide operations following a temporary shutdown on Tuesday.
The closure was in response to widespread customer outrage and vandalism after subscribers who failed to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NINs) were disconnected.
MTN announced its return to operations on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter), stating 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 said.
Over the weekend, many subscribers were unable to access their phone lines due to the disconnection, which led to thousands of people visiting telecom offices on Monday. This prompted the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to direct telecommunications operators to immediately restore all affected lines.
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In a statement on Monday, NCC Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, explained that the directive was issued 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.
Since December 2023, the Commission has reviewed the deadline multiple times. Initially, April 15, 2024, was set as the deadline for full network compliance, 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 have yet to be linked with verified NINs.