MTN closes retail shops nationwide after Lagos protest

Less than 24 hours after angry subscribers besieged its office in Lagos, telecommunication service provider MTN has announced the closure of its retail shops nationwide. On Tuesday, the telecommunication giant’s terse statement announced the closure of its shops nationwide but gave no reason for the decision. “Please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July,” MTN said. “We are available 24/7 to support you via our digital channels.” On Monday, angry subscribers stormed the MTN office at FESTAC, Lagos, tearing down its iron fence to gain access in protest over their blocked SIM cards.

Telcos had come under public criticism for deactivating subscribers’ SIM cards for allegedly not linking their National Identification Numbers (NIN) with their phone lines over the weekend. On Monday, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) ordered all telecommunications service providers to restore all lines deactivated for not linking their NIN to their SIM cards.

“The commission has directed all operators to reactivate all lines that were disconnected over the weekend in view of the short time available for consumers to undertake the verification of their NINs with their SIMs. Reactivated consumers are to note that this is for a limited period to allow them to properly link their NIN to their SIM,” NCC said.