Over the weekend, a multitude of individuals flocked to telecommunication outlets throughout Nigeria in response to the decision made by MTN, Glo, Airtel, and other companies to block lines that were not linked with a National Identification Number (NIN).
Upon waking up, numerous Nigerians discovered that their lines had been barred, particularly on the MTN network.
Numerous individuals who were impacted stated that their lines had been successfully linked, with many sharing screenshots of previous SIM-NIN validation messages.
@Ada_Daddyya, “Why in heaven’s name is MTN blocking my lines even after I’ve registered my Nin? What is wrong with that company?”
@Emedymessi, “My MTN line was just barred this morning. As in my own precious line that I’ve been using for more than 10 years now. I’ve linked my NIN more than how many times, but they keep sending me messages to link it again.”
@The_Barr_OluT, “MTN barred my sim, and on a Sunday. Even after submitting my NIN like 6 times.”
“I had to go to their office after church. It’s not yet rectified. I just got home. I can only call and receive on WhatsApp using wifi,” Nike Benson, an affected subscriber said. “They said the name on the SIM is Hellen Ajibade, but I don’t know the person. I have been using the number for over 20 years.”
“I just heard a voice prompt that informed me that my line has been barred because I failed to link my NIN to my line. It also told me to visit the nearest MTN shop to reconnect my line”, another subscriber who identified himself as Shina said.
Since Saturday, tweets about barred lines have circulated. @obasagodwin tweeted, “@MTNNG, how many times do I have to link my NIN with my line?”
Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria has said affected subscribers can unblock their SIM card anywhere without necessarily going to their offices.
In a tweet on Sunday, the telcos giant said; “Unblock your line anytime, anywhere! Here are easy steps you can take.
“Get started at http://nin.mtn.ng
“Need additional support from our stores?
“We are open 7 days a week.”
