In response to the planned nationwide hunger protest, telecom giant MTN has shut down all its stores and service centers across Nigeria. This decision follows incidents of vandalism at the company’s offices by aggrieved customers whose lines were disconnected under the government’s National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage policy.
Reports from The Nation indicate that the closure was prompted by an attack on an MTN Nigeria office in Festac, Lagos, where a group of angry customers pulled down the fence. This incident occurred after subscribers besieged the office to lodge complaints about the recent blocking of their telephone lines by the telecommunication company.
Similar scenes of frustration and disappointment have been reported across the country, with aggrieved subscribers gathering at various MTN offices to protest the blocking of their phone numbers.
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In a terse statement on X (formerly Twitter), MTN confirmed the closure of its shops nationwide. The statement read: “Yello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July 2024.”
The closure of MTN offices has significant implications for internet users in Nigeria, as it risks disrupting connectivity services for millions of subscribers who rely on the company for both personal and business communication. The shutdown may also affect customer service operations, making it difficult for subscribers to resolve issues related to their accounts or services.
The protest and subsequent closure highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the Nigerian telecommunications industry, particularly in relation to government policies such as the NIN-SIM linkage, which has led to widespread disconnection of phone lines and significant customer dissatisfaction.
The situation underscores the need for a balanced approach to policy implementation that considers the impact on end-users and ensures that adequate support mechanisms are in place to address their concerns. As the protest continues, it remains to be seen how MTN and the government will address the underlying issues and restore services to affected subscribers.
