MTN Nigeria has announced the closure of its stores nationwide today, Tuesday, following widespread unrest that erupted on Monday. The disturbance was triggered by the telco’s implementation of a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block customers’ lines that had not been linked with National Identification Numbers (NINs).
In a directive issued by the NCC, telecom companies were instructed to disconnect lines not linked with NINs, with a phased deadline culminating on July 31, 2024. The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body for telecom companies, clarified that the affected customers experienced discrepancies between their records on SIM and NIN databases.
On Monday, the blocked customers converged on MTN stores across the country, causing significant disruptions. At the MTN store on Bode Thomas Street in Lagos, the queue extended onto the sidewalks, creating a chaotic scene. Similar situations were reported at other locations, including the MTN store on Allen Avenue in Lagos, which was overcrowded, and the Berger store in Lagos, where customers threatened to break into the premises. Additionally, an MTN store in FESTAC was vandalized.
In response to the chaos, the NCC ordered telecom companies to unblock the affected lines. MTN communicated the temporary closure of its stores via a post on its social media platform, X, stating, “Y’ello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, July 30th. We are available 24/7 to support you via our digital channels: myMTN NG App, Zigi Chatbot (0903300001), and IVR (dial 300).”
Since the disruption, telecom companies have issued guidelines for customers to unblock their lines without visiting physical stores. The NCC has also urged those who have not yet verified their SIMs to do so promptly to maintain uninterrupted access to their services.
Credit: Businessday NG (Text Excluding Headline)
