MTN subscribers across the nation are experiencing a widespread network outage, rendering them unable to make calls or access the internet through the telecom giant’s network.
The company has attributed this disruption to multiple fibre cuts, affecting both voice and data services.
In response to inquiries about the ongoing network challenges, MTN issued a statement on Wednesday night acknowledging the issue and providing insight into its cause. According to MTN, the network problem stems from “a major service outage caused by multiple fibre cuts,” with its engineers diligently working to rectify the situation.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and ask for your patience and understanding as the team works to restore full service as soon as possible,” MTN stated.
This network outage comes at a crucial time when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reinforced its directive for telecom operators to disconnect subscribers who have not linked their National Identification Numbers (NIN) to their SIM cards by February 28, 2024.
During the 45th Kaduna International Trade Fair on Wednesday, Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Communication Commission, reiterated the importance of adhering to the NIN-SIM linkage deadline. He emphasized the NCC’s directive for telecom operators to disconnect phone lines of subscribers who have failed to link their NINs by the stipulated date.
“To this end, the National Communication Commission has directed all telecommunication operators to bar phone lines of subscribers whose lines are not linked to their NINs on or before February 28, 2024,” Dr Maida reaffirmed.