MTN Nigeria, the country’s largest telecommunications operator, has barred numerous subscribers from making or receiving calls and accessing the internet due to non-compliance with the National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage directive.
The sudden move has left many customers frustrated and confused, with some taking to social media to express their discontent.
According to affected subscribers, they received a voice prompt informing them that their lines had been barred due to failure to link their NIN to their SIM cards.
Many claimed to have already completed the linkage exercise in the past, with some providing evidence of compliance.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had previously directed telecom operators to block SIM cards not linked to NINs by February 28, 2024, citing national security concerns.
MTN’s actions may be seen as a compliance measure, but the lack of prior warning and apparent technical issues have sparked widespread criticism.
Subscribers have expressed their disappointment and frustration on social media, with some considering switching to alternative network providers.
The situation has raised questions about the effectiveness of the NIN-SIM linkage exercise and the potential consequences for subscribers who have already complied.
MTN has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, leaving customers in the dark about the reasons behind the sudden bar on their lines and the steps required to resolve the issue.
As the situation continues to unfold, affected subscribers remain hopeful for a prompt resolution to restore their services.