In response to recent acts of vandalism linked to the government’s NIN-SIM linkage policy, telecommunications giant MTN has announced a temporary closure of all its offices and service centers across the country.
The suspension of services will last for 24 hours, beginning July 30, 2024.
The decision follows a series of incidents where angry customers, frustrated by the disconnection of their lines, have resorted to violence. The unrest began after the government’s policy, which requires linking National Identification Numbers (NIN) with SIM cards, led to the suspension of several phone lines.
READ ALSO: How to convert MTN pulse points to airtime
MTN released a statement on X, its official platform, explaining the situation and advising customers to use digital support channels during the temporary closure. “Due to recent events and ongoing security concerns, we are closing our offices and service centers for 24 hours,” the statement read. “We urge all affected customers to utilize our online support resources for assistance during this period.”
In addition to digital support, MTN has provided a detailed guide for subscribers to unblock their SIM cards online. The company aims to facilitate as smooth a process as possible during the temporary shutdown.
The decision came after a particularly violent episode in Festac Town, Lagos, where a group of irate subscribers destroyed the fence of an MTN office. The protest was part of a larger demonstration against the disconnection of their telephone lines.
MTN assured its customers that normal operations would resume following the 24-hour closure. “We understand the impact of this disruption and are committed to resolving the issues promptly,” MTN added in its statement. “We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this challenging time.”
