ALTON denies SIM barring linked to disrupting nationwide protests

Joy Agwunobi

The Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has moved to dispel speculation that network operators’ recent barring of certain SIM cards was part of a deliberate plan to thwart the nationwide protest scheduled to commence on August 1.

The protest, initiated by various youth groups, is intended to draw attention to the crippling economic hardships and rising cost of living that many Nigerians are currently facing. However, the coincidental barring of SIM cards has stirred considerable controversy and exasperation among subscribers in Nigeria.

A substantial number of MTN customers, among other Nigerian subscribers, experienced a rude shock over the weekend when their SIM cards were suddenly barred without warning, rendering them incapable of utilizing essential telecommunication services such as voice calls, messaging, and data.

This unexpected move, which affected many subscribers who had already complied with the National Identification Number (NIN) and SIM linkage directive issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in December 2023, with a final deadline set for July 31, 2024, caused a wave of confusion and frustration among the Nigerian populace.

The NCC’s directive is part of a broader effort to enhance national security and regulatory compliance by ensuring that all active mobile lines are registered with accurate identity details. The initiative aims to curb criminal activities facilitated by unregistered SIM cards. Despite multiple extensions of the deadline from the initial April 15, 2024, to July 31, a large  number of subscribers still faced issues with their NIN-SIM linkages.

The recent barring of SIM cards in Nigeria has triggered a tsunami of outrage among Nigerians, who have taken to social media platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram to vent their frustrations and share their experiences.

 A Twitter user, @SirDavidBent, expressed his dismay: “As a Nigerian, if you’re not queuing at a fuel station because of scarcity, you’ll definitely be at the nearest MTN Office this morning because lines of even those who linked their NINS have been barred. We’re living in a country where impunity & cruelty reigns supreme.”

Another user @ObalowuSunday lamented,“MTN deliberately barred and blocked subscribers’ SIM CARDS to prevent protesters from calling each other.”

The barring has also resulted in long queues at telecom service centres across the country, as affected individuals rush to rectify their SIM issues. Reports from major cities like Lagos,Osun, Port Harcourt  among others show  that customers have been queuing for hours.

Another customer expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice, stating, “Why didn’t they give us more time or at least a final reminder? Now I can’t even make a simple phone call, I can only call and receive on WhatsApp using Wi-Fi.”

In response to allegations that telecom operators are attempting to thwart planned protests by barring millions of lines, the Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has emphasised that the barring of SIM cards is strictly in compliance with the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) directive and is not politically motivated.

Gbenga Adebayo, the ALTON chairman, addressed the rumours, noting that the timing of the barring was purely coincidental and had nothing to do with the planned protests.

 Adebayo stated, “I have received inquiries about this issue. No organisation or association is barring lines because of the proposed protest. It is coincidental that the barring of lines is coming at a time a protest is being planned. We have no hand at all in what is going on about the protest.”

Adebayo explained that the barring of lines was related to the NIN verification process, stressing that telecom companies are obliged to provide uninterrupted service to everyone without discrimination.