by Myariyoblog

August 29th 2024.

Angry Nigerians vandalized MTN's office in Festac Town, Lagos, protesting the blockage of their SIM cards due to NIN-SIM linkage issues. Read more on the incident and regulatory actions by NCC.

In Lagos State's Festac Town, frustrated Nigerians vandalized an MTN office in protest against the blockage of their SIM cards. The unrest was captured in a video by SaharaReporters, showing incensed customers tearing down MTN's gate.

Their grievance stemmed from their SIM cards being barred by the telecommunications giant due to mismatches between their National Identification Number (NIN) details and SIM registration.

This action was part of a regulatory push by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enforce the NIN-SIM linkage policy introduced in December 2020.

Earlier this year, the NCC mandated that telcos should disconnect subscribers who had not linked their phone numbers to their NIN by set deadlines, extending it from February 28, 2024, to April 15, 2024, and finally to July 31, 2024.

Photo Credit: outrage citizen Infront of MTN office

In response to the public outcry, the NCC has ordered the reactivation of all disconnected lines, as confirmed in a press statement from NCC's Director of Media and Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.

On July 29, 2024 amid this controversy and issues going round about MTN and their line blockage. MTN posted on their official handle on twitter that People can unblock their line anytime , anywhere

This is what went on on MTN handle on twitter and some followers comment:

Photo Credit: MTN posted on twitter