By Emmanuel Ogbodo
Protests have erupted at an MTN office in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, due to the telecom company’s decision to block SIM cards that are not linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN). A video circulating on social media shows a large crowd blocking the entrance to the MTN office, preventing commuters from passing.
The protesters criticised the company for blocking their SIM cards without any prior warning or notification.
“The protest has started. There is no road here anymore, so anyone coming should turn back. How can they block our lines without any warning or message? We have started the protest and will stay here with them,” protesters stated in the local Yoruba language as they turned back oncoming vehicles.
This protest follows MTN’s mass-blocking campaign over the weekend, leaving many users unable to make or receive calls or access the Internet.
One affected subscriber, Shina, discovered his line was blocked when he attempted to make a call and was informed via voice prompt that his line was barred due to the lack of NIN linkage. He was advised to visit the nearest MTN shop to reconnect his line.
Many users reported noticing the blockage early in the morning, claiming they had previously completed the linkage process and had proof.
In response, concerned Nigerians flocked to MTN offices nationwide on Monday to unblock their lines, criticising the company for the mass blocking without warning and demanding immediate restoration of services.
At an MTN office in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where a large crowd gathered, a user accused the company of inconveniencing Nigerians by requiring them to visit in person on a Monday morning. He argued for digital solutions to resolve such issues.
“MTN, this is unnecessary. There should be other ways to do this in the twenty-first century. How can you make so many people come to your office and punish them? There should be ways we can handle this from the comfort of our homes,” the user said.
At an MTN office in Warri, Delta State, hundreds of users gathered inside and outside the compound, with no clear guidance from the company.
“Look at the masses. Look at the crowd. This is happening in Nigeria. They blocked everybody’s line, including mine. Only God can help us in this country,” said one affected user.
Similar scenes occurred across cities such as Ibadan, Sango-Otta, and others. In some MTN offices, long queues formed as people waited to be attended to. Many believe this is a tactic to distract Nigerians from the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August 1 and to limit their reach.
In February, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reiterated its directive to telecom operators to block SIM cards not linked to NINs by February 28, 2024. The directive, similar to one issued in 2020, was prompted by ongoing terrorist attacks, kidnappings, and banditry across the country.
