MTN Nigeria has announced the closure of all its stores nationwide following widespread outrage and chaos resulting from the blocking of customers’ lines. This action comes in response to a directive from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to disconnect lines not linked with National Identification Numbers (NINs).

The NCC had mandated all telecommunications companies to bar lines not linked with NINs by the end of July 2024. This directive was implemented in phases, with customers given deadlines to ensure their SIMs were properly linked to their NINs. However, many customers found themselves disconnected due to mismatches between their records in the SIM and NIN databases.

On Monday, affected subscribers flooded MTN stores across the country, leading to massive queues and chaotic scenes. At the MTN store on Bode Thomas Street in Lagos, the queue extended onto the sidewalks, disrupting traffic. Similar scenes were reported at the MTN store on Allen Avenue, Lagos, where the store was jam-packed with frustrated customers.

The situation escalated at the MTN store in Berger, Lagos, where customers threatened to break into the store out of frustration. In FESTAC, another MTN store was vandalized by angry subscribers. The overwhelming demand for assistance prompted the NCC to order telcos to temporarily reactivate the barred lines to reduce the chaos.

In a statement posted on X, MTN Nigeria informed customers about the closure of its shops on Tuesday. The message read, “Y’ello customer, please be informed that our shops nationwide will be closed today, July 30th. We are available 24/7 to support you via our digital channels: myMTN NG App, Zigi Chatbot (0903300001), and IVR (dial 300).”

Since the directive to block lines, telcos have been working to guide subscribers on how to unblock their lines without visiting physical stores. The companies have provided detailed instructions on using digital platforms to resolve the issues, emphasizing the need to verify their SIMs with NINs as soon as possible.

Despite the temporary reactivation of the lines, the NCC has reiterated the importance of linking SIMs with NINs. The commission advised, “Members of the public who have yet to verify their SIMs are encouraged to do so as soon as possible to maintain access to their lines.”