MTN Resumes Operations in Nigeria After Nationwide Shutdown

Nigeria’s leading telecommunications provider, MTN, has reopened its nationwide operations following a temporary shutdown sparked by widespread customer outrage and vandalism. The shutdown was a response to the disconnection of subscribers who failed to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NINs).

On Tuesday, MTN announced its return to operations through a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirming that its physical shops would be open to customers from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. The operator emphasized that customers could also access support through digital channels 24/7.

The shutdown was triggered by a blockage that left many subscribers unable to access their phone lines over the weekend. This was due to their failure to verify their NINs with their SIMs, in compliance with NIN-SIM linkage regulations. The blockage prompted thousands of subscribers to storm telecom offices on Monday, prompting the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to direct telecommunications operators to immediately restore all affected lines.

In a statement, the NCC explained that the directive was 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 the full network, 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 are yet to be linked with verified NINs.