By Adedapo Adesanya
Telecommunications company, MTN Nigeria, has shuttered the doors to its offices nationwide following an escalation that saw aggrieved customers vandalised one of its offices in the Festac area of Lagos.
“Yello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July 2024,” the company said on its customer support handle on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The telco also directed its customers to use their digital channels for support.
Over the weekend, several customers of MTN observed that their lines were unable to make calls, sparking different speculations, including a conspiracy theory that the government asked the telecommunications firm to disrupt services ahead of the proposed August 1, 2024, protests by Nigerians.
On Monday, affected customers stormed MTN offices to demand an explanation as to why their phone lines were prohibited from many calls despite linking them with their National Identification Numbers (NINs).
It was discovered that telcos deactivate SIMs not linked to NIN as directed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). A decision that was later rescinded.
“The consumer is our priority, therefore, considering the challenges the blockages have caused, the Commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs,” the spokesman for the regulatory body, Mr Reuben Muoka said.
“Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM,” the regulator added.
Business Post understands that many of the barred lines have since been lifted and customers can continue using their services.
Modupe Gbadeyanka