MTN Shuts Down Offices Nationwide Amid SIM Blocking Outrage

Telecommunications giant, MTN, has shut down all its stores and service centres across Nigeria.

The latest development comes on the heels of outrage by some of its subscribers across the country after the network provider barred their lines on Sunday.

Naija News reported that some angry customers whose mobile sim cards were deactivated due to the non-linkage of their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their sim cards on Monday, vandalized an MTN office located in Lagos State.

The angry subscribers stormed the MTN office at 72 Junction, Opposite First Bank, 23 Road, Festac Town, Lagos, and took out their frustration on the buildings over allegations that the staff were unwilling to help.

A 17-second video shared on X, showed a crowd of subscribers breaking into the telecoms premises. The crowd pulled back the iron bars used as security fencing around the premises to access the building.

In response to the vandalism, Hundeyin, in a post via X, stated, “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.”

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.”