A wave of protests has swept across Nigeria as frustrated customers besieged MTN offices nationwide, following the sudden barring of their phone lines over the weekend.
The unprecedented crowds, comprising mostly of irate subscribers, have been gathering at MTN offices since morning, demanding answers and solutions to the unexpected disruption.
Many of the affected customers claimed to have linked their lines with their National Identification Number (NIN) multiple times, only to find their numbers barred without explanation.
The situation has escalated into chaos, with protests currently underway at the Osogbo office of MTN, among others.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, customers are growing increasingly agitated. Branches of MTN in various parts of the country are struggling to cope with the number of disgruntled subscribers, leading to concerns about public safety.
In Reaction to the Panic caused by the SIM Blockage,Nigerian Communications 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.
In a Statement released by the commission on Monday all Reactivated consumers are to note that it is for a limited period to allow them properly link their NIN to their SIM.
Consumers who are yet to verify their SIMs are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines.
Compulsory linkage of NIN with SIM began in December 2020 when the federal Government Directed Telecommunication companies to bar unregistered SIM Cards and SIMs that were not linked.
As the barred lines continue to disrupt communication and businesses, Nigerians are left wondering when normalcy will be restored.
ait.live reports that the The situation serves as a stark reminder of the country’s reliance on telecommunications and the need for swift and effective solutions to such crises.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
