By Telecommunications giant MTN has announced the closure of all its stores and service centres across Nigeria in response to widespread subscriber outrage. The decision comes after the network provider barred numerous subscriber lines on Sunday, July 28, 2024, due to discrepancies between National Identification Numbers (NIN) and SIM registrations.
The situation escalated dramatically on Monday when a mob of angry subscribers vandalized MTN’s office in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State. A viral video circulating on social media showed a large crowd destroying a barricade fence outside the office. The incident was reportedly triggered by the network’s decision to block subscribers whose NIN didn’t match their SIM registration details.
In response to the unrest, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated on social media platform X that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of FESTAC and his team had successfully restored normalcy and peace at the scene. “This should not be the way to go!” Hundeyin emphasized in his statement.
MTN officially announced the nationwide closure of its shops on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. In a brief statement posted on X, the company said, “Yello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July 2024.” This move appears to be a precautionary measure to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of staff and property.
The crisis highlights the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, particularly regarding the integration of National Identification Numbers with SIM registrations. The Nigerian government has been pushing for this integration as part of efforts to enhance security and reduce fraud in the country.
MTN, as one of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications providers, finds itself at the center of this controversy. The company’s decision to block SIMs that don’t comply with the NIN-SIM linkage requirement has clearly struck a nerve with many subscribers, leading to this unprecedented outburst of public anger.
As the situation continues to develop, questions arise about the long-term implications for MTN’s operations in Nigeria, the effectiveness of the NIN-SIM integration policy, and the broader impact on Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape. The incident also underscores the potential for public frustration to boil over into violence, presenting challenges for both corporate entities and law enforcement.
Authorities and MTN officials are expected to address the situation in the coming days, potentially offering solutions to resolve the SIM blocking issue and outlining plans to prevent similar incidents in the future. For now, MTN subscribers across Nigeria will have to rely on alternative channels for customer service as the company’s physical locations remain closed.
Source: punchng.com
