Nigerians protested against MTN for blocking their SIM cards without prior warning. The protests highlight the frustration over the NIN-SIM linkage policy and its impact on users’ ability to make calls and access the Internet.
Points
- Nigerians protested MTN’s mass-blocking campaign over the NIN-SIM linkage.
- Protesters complained about the lack of prior warning before their SIM cards were blocked.
- Many affected users claimed they had already completed the NIN-SIM linkage.
- Large crowds gathered at MTN offices nationwide, demanding immediate restoration of service.
- The Nigerian Communications Commission （NCC） had mandated the blocking of SIM cards not linked to NINs.
Nigerians across the country besieged MTN offices in protest after the telecom company embarked on a mass-blocking campaign over the weekend. Users found themselves unable to make or receive calls or access the Internet, with many claiming they received no prior warning from MTN.
Protesters voiced their frustrations loudly, with some blocking roads and turning away oncoming vehicles. An affected subscriber, Shina, shared his experience with Technext, stating that he was informed his line had been barred due to failure to link his National Identification Number （NIN） to his SIM card, despite having previously completed the linkage.
Following the mass blocking, concerned Nigerians flocked to MTN offices, demanding an immediate restoration of service. In Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, a user criticized the company for requiring in-person visits to resolve the issue, arguing that digital solutions should have been implemented.
The situation was similar across cities like Ibadan and Sango-Otta, with long queues forming outside MTN offices. Some users suspected the timing of the mass blocking was a strategy to distract from the impending #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August 1.
The Nigerian Communications Commission （NCC） had previously instructed telecom operators to block SIM cards not linked to NINs by February 28, 2024. This directive follows a similar one in 2020, aimed at curbing terrorist activities and improving security across the country.
解説
- The mass protests highlight the frustration among Nigerians over the abrupt blocking of SIM cards without prior notice.
- The NIN-SIM linkage policy, intended to improve security, has faced criticism for its execution and impact on users.
- The widespread protests reflect broader dissatisfaction with telecom services and government policies.
- Digital solutions for NIN-SIM linkage could have mitigated the disruption and user frustration.
- The timing of the mass blocking has raised suspicions of ulterior motives, adding to the tension.