Following a nationwide shutdown across Nigeria on Tuesday, Telecommunications provider MTN has resumed operations.
The company announced its return to service on Wednesday via X (formerly Twitter), stating that its physical stores would be open to customers from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
“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,” MTN said in the announcement.
The shutdown occurred after a series of attacks on MTN’s facilities and staff by subscribers angered over the barring of their lines due to issues with National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM registration.
The disconnection of phone lines led to widespread frustration among MTN subscribers, who criticised the abrupt enforcement of the NIN linkage mandate without prior notice.
The policy, which also affected subscribers of 9Mobile, was initially scheduled to take effect on April 15, 2024, but was extended to July 31, 2024, to allow more time for compliance.
On Monday, News About Nigeria reported that an MTN office in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State was damaged by a mob, with similar incidents reported in other locations.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that order had been restored in FESTAC Town.
In response to the violence, MTN Nigeria issued a statement on Tuesday informing customers of the temporary closure of its stores on July 30, 2024.
The company encouraged customers to use digital support platforms, which remain operational around the clock.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also directed telecommunications operators to restore all phone lines that were blocked due to NIN-SIM linkage issues.
The NCC urged subscribers to complete their NIN-SIM linkage promptly to avoid further disruptions.
