MTN Nigeria has announced the closure of its offices nationwide on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The company issued a notice titled “Shop Closure” on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, informing customers of the closure without specifying the reason or the reopening date. The notice assures customers that support will still be available via digital channels 24/7.
Possible Reasons for Closure
The closure coincides with increasing tensions in the country as Nigerian youths prepare for a nationwide protest against economic hardship, set to take place from August 1 to August 10, 2024. While MTN’s notice does not explicitly link the closure to the protests, the timing suggests a potential connection.
Recent Customer Protests
On Monday, aggrieved customers protested at MTN offices across the country due to the blockage of SIM cards. The protests were sparked by the telecom company’s enforcement of the July 31 deadline for the NIN-SIM linkage mandated by the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC). Many subscribers were affected by the blockage, leading to significant frustration and anger.
In Lagos, particularly at the MTN office in FESTAC, the situation escalated as angry subscribers tore down the company’s iron fence. The widespread discontent highlights the urgency and severity of the issue.
NCC’s Intervention
In response to the protests and public outcry, the NCC ordered telecommunication operators to reconnect all phone lines that were disconnected due to the NIN-SIM verification exercise. This reactivation is intended to be temporary, allowing affected consumers time to properly link their National Identification Numbers (NINs) to their SIM cards.
Conclusion
While MTN Nigeria has not provided specific reasons for the closure of its offices, the current economic protests and recent SIM blockage controversy are likely factors. Customers are advised to utilize digital channels for support during this period and to stay informed about any further announcements from the company.