MTN, NCC logos
By Victory Oghene
The MTN Group Limited, has disconnected the SIM cards of thousands of subscribers culminating in wide protests across its office nationwide.
The telecommunications giant claimed that the affected subscribers had failed to link their National Identification Number (NIN) with their SIM cards.
In response, scores of disgruntled subscribers stormed MTN offices in major cities, including Osogbo in Osun State; Ikeja, and Festac town in Lagos State; Uyo in Akwa Ibom State and Warri in Delta State.
Viral videos online show protesters venting their frustration and anger over the sudden disconnection. The protests highlight the frustration and disruption caused by the mass disconnection, with many subscribers demanding a resolution to the issue.”
The disconnection comes as Nigerian regulators pressure telecoms companies to implement the NIN-linkage policy introduced in December 2020.
In February 2024, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) told telecoms companies to bar subscribers who failed to link their phone numbers to their NIN on or before February 28, 2024. The deadline was extended to April 15, 2024, and later July 31, 2024.
In a twist of event, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered all telecommunication companies in the country to reactivate all lines they have barred over issues surrounding the linking and verification of National Identification Numbers (NIN) linked with their SIMs.
The sudden U-turn from the regulator, which had earlier given the telecom operators a July 31 deadline to bar all lines with unverified NINs, may not be unconnected with the planned protest and the claims that the government was trying to frustrate the protest through telecommunications.
