In a dramatic turn of events, telecom giant MTN has closed all its stores and service centers across Nigeria following a wave of outrage from subscribers. This decision comes in the wake of widespread protests sparked by the network provider’s barring of lines on Sunday due to discrepancies between National Identification Numbers (NIN) and SIM registrations.
A viral video circulating on social media on Monday captured the intense backlash, showing a mob dismantling a barricade fence outside an MTN office. The video, filmed in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State, depicted a large group of enraged customers vandalizing the telecommunications company’s office in response to the network blockade.
Addressing the situation, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that law enforcement had swiftly intervened to restore order. “The DPO of FESTAC and his men have successfully restored normalcy and peace at the scene,” he stated on X.com, formerly known as Twitter.
In light of the escalating tensions, MTN announced on Tuesday that it would be temporarily shutting its shops nationwide. “Yello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July 2024,” the company stated in a message on X.
The shutdown highlight the growing frustration among Nigerian subscribers over the NIN-SIM linkage issue, a mandate that has caused significant disruptions for many users. As MTN works to address these concerns, the company’s temporary closure aims to mitigate further unrest and ensure the safety of its employees and customers.
