MTN Nigeria Resumes Operations After Nationwide Shutdown Due to NIN-SIM Disconnection Controversy

Nigeria’s leading telecommunications provider, MTN, has resumed nationwide operations following a temporary shutdown on Tuesday.

The closure was a response to widespread customer outrage and vandalism after subscribers who failed to link their SIM cards to their National Identification Numbers (NINs) were disconnected.

MTN announced its return to operations on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter), confirming that its physical stores would be open to customers from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The company stated, “Y’ello customer, please note that our shops nationwide will be open today, 31 July. Operating hours: 8.00 am-3:00 pm. We are also available 24/7 to support you via digital channels.”

Over the weekend, many subscribers found themselves unable to access their phone lines due to unverified NINs, leading to the blockage of their numbers in compliance with NIN-SIM linkage regulations.

This situation prompted thousands of subscribers to flood telecom offices on Monday, resulting in the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) directing telecommunications operators to immediately restore all affected lines.

In a statement released on Monday, Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, explained that the directive was issued 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 national security and ensure an accurate SIM ownership database. Despite several deadline extensions, including the latest to July 31, 2024, many lines remain unverified. The Commission has reviewed the deadline multiple times, with the latest extension previously set for April 15, 2024, for the full network, except for subscribers with four or fewer unverified NIN-linked SIMs.