See details as MTN announces closure of all stores nationwide, advise customers

• Telcom giant, MTN Nigeria has decided to close all its stores and service centres across Nigeria for 24 hours
• The decision follows subscriber outrage over line barring, with one of its offices in Lagos vandalised
• It took the efforts of the Lagos State Police to restore normalcy, while customers have been advised.

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has over a decade of business journalism experience with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

Telecom giant MTN has announced the closure of all its stores and service centres across Nigeria on July 30, 2024.

Although no clear message was given for the decision, it is likely connected to a recent report of an attack on one of its offices at the FESTAC town of Lagos.

MTN closes stores nationwide Photo credit: Waldo Swiegers
Source: Getty Images

MTN offices vandalised

A viral video circulating on social media on Monday, July 29, 2024, showed a mob destroying a barricade fence outside an MTN office in the FESTAC Town area of Lagos State

The Nigerian police have condemned the clip.

Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, responded to the viral video on X.com, stating that the DPO of FESTAC and his team had successfully restored normalcy and peace at the scene.

He wrote:

“This should not be the way to go!”

MTN closes offices

In reaction to the events, MTN announced on Tuesday, July 30, that it would be shutting its shops nationwide.

In a statement on its official X page, the telecommunication company said:

"Shop Closure notice.Y'ello Customer, Please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, 30th July."We are available 24/7 to support you via our digital channels:"

NCC orders MTN, GLO, Airtel, others to unblock all SIMs

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Communications Commission has directed telecommunications operators to restore all phone lines blocked due to non-linkage of National Identification Numbers to SIM cards.

Reuben Muok, NCC's director of media and public affairs, made this known in a statement on Monday, July 29, 2024.

The commission said the directive prioritises consumer needs and allows a temporary reactivation period.

Subscribers are, however, urged to complete their NIN-SIM linkage immediately to prevent future disconnections.

Source: Legit.ng