MTN Shuts Down Offices Nationwide Amid SIM Blocking Outrage By Nigerians

MTN, a leading telecommunications corporation, has ceased operations at all its retail outlets and service centres throughout Nigeria.

This development follows a wave of discontent among some of its clientele across the nation, sparked by the network provider’s decision to deactivate their lines on Sunday.

Reports have emerged earlier that a group of dissatisfied customers, whose mobile service was terminated due to the failure of their National Identification Numbers (NINs) to be linked to their service cards, resorted to vandalism at an MTN branch in Lagos State on Monday.

These aggrieved subscribers invaded the MTN facility at 72 Junction, Opposite First Bank, 23 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, expressing their frustration towards the premises, citing the staff’s refusal to assist them.

A video, shared on social media platform X, captures a scene where a group of subscribers successfully breaches the telecommunications facility.

They managed to remove the iron bars serving as security barriers around the building to gain entry.

The circulated video, which lasts for 17 seconds, illustrates the group’s determination to access the premises.

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Reacting, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, condemned the vandalism of the MTN office in the FESTAC area of the state.

“This should not be the way to go!

“Meanwhile, the DPO FESTAC and his men responded immediately they got the report. They succeeded in restoring normalcy and are still on ground to maintain peace,” the Police spokesperson wrote in a post via X. 

Reacting on Tuesday, MTN, in a statement via its X handle, said it would be shutting its shops nationwide today.

The terse statement read, “Yello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July 2024.

“We are available 24/7 to support you via our digital channels.”