Nationwide frustration as MTN bars customer lines over SIM-NIN linkage

Large crowds of Nigerians thronged telecommunication stores nationwide after telecom operators began blocking lines without linked National Identification Numbers (NINs) over the weekend.

This move follows a mandate by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on SIM card registration with a valid National Identification Number (NIN) in February 2024. The Telcos have implemented phased disconnections of unregistered lines, with the NCC recently extending the compliance deadline to July 31.

A customer care representative at an MTN customer centre in Gboko, Benue state, told bendada.com, that warnings about the disconnection of unregistered lines had been issued well in advance, but some customers may have missed them. Aga Kenneth Aondona, another customer care representative, highlighted the difficulty in satisfying the surge of customer complaints as a result of the recent lines barred. 

“This shop is always empty every day, now, we can’t seem to get people out of our doors,” he said.

Many subscribers are hoping that this is probably a technical glitch by the network provider that will be fixed soon.

Agbinda Bemsen one of the customers affected complained bitterly about the flaw in MTN’s system. “I’ve been using my MTN SIM since secondary school only for them to tell me that it is registered to someone named Mustapha who I don’t know,” he said.

This incident has significantly affected a wide range of businesses and livelihoods. Many individuals have taken to social media to condemn the telco's decision to bar their phone lines without prior warning. 

In response to the outcry, MTN has encouraged customers and subscribers to visit customer centres and stores near them or follow these simple steps to get reactivated.