MTN subscribers heave sighs of relief as barred lines are restored

MTN customers have expressed a wave of joy and relief following the restoration of their previously barred lines, ending a period of angst and frustrating disconnection.

On Monday evening, the news of the restoration of the blocked lines spread like wildfire, prompting smiles and sighs of satisfaction.

Persecondnews reports that with their lines now unbarred, customers can once again stay connected, access vital information, conduct their businesses, and reconnect with loved ones and the world.

Many Nigerians took to the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their experiences and confirm the restoration of their previously barred MTN lines.

I_am_semex tweeted: “Relieved to share that MTN has finally restored my line after a 32-hour blackout! To get your line unbarred, simply dial *996# and follow the prompts.”

Juba (@ayemojuba) tweeted: “It appears MTN has lifted the block on previously restricted lines. The sudden reversal suggests the initial blockage was politically motivated.”

@Oluwamiebi tweeted: “MTN unblocked my line, but I still can’t access the internet or make transfers. I can only make calls, send texts, and receive calls. Please fix my line properly; the signal is also weak.”

@Muminatibaby tweeted: “I’m surprised MTN unblocked my line without me visiting their office! I was ready to get a new SIM today. I don’t have the energy for such stress. Nigeria has already aged me enough!”

Persecondnews recalls that MTN, in conjunction with other telecommunications companies, had cautioned users to link their phone numbers to their National Identification Numbers (NIN) before taking the drastic measure of barring affected lines on Saturday.

This move resulted in the disconnection of numerous subscribers from essential mobile services, leaving them unable to access their accounts or stay connected.

In a wave of outrage, thousands of MTN customers swarmed the company’s outlets in Abuja and across the country, vociferously expressing their frustration and discontent over the abrupt blocking of their phone numbers.

Subscribers vented their anger, decrying the sudden disconnections, while some took their ire to the extreme by vandalizing the iron fence at an MTN facility in Lagos.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) intervened to prevent widespread disruption and chaos, with its Director of Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, issuing a directive to telecom operators to immediately restore all phone lines barred over the weekend due to non-compliance with the NIN-SIM linking requirement.