Julius Okorie
Change they say is the only constant thing in life. Perhaps one other thing that is constant in life especially in Nigeria is uncertainty.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIt reminds one of an old program that made waves on Imo Broadcasting Service (IBS) many years ago. It was titled “Chi boo anu ozo” (Meaning every morning you hear another one”
Nigerians are said to have thickness of fiber, which explains why policies are sometimes implemented without prior notice because like the political phrase says “They will adjust”
It was again one of those days when you wake up and hear another on Sunday, July 28, 2024 as most Nigerians woke up to raise the alarm that their phone lines have been barred.
READ ALSO Reprieve As NCC Orders Telcos To Reactivate Barred Lines
Many managed to use borrowed phones to call friends and relatives just to enquire whether it is general problem or they were just unfortunate to have been used as scape goats. Soon information began to go round that it was a move by government to truncate the proposed protest over hardship in the country billed for August 1, easily one of the most popular dates in the country now.
Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) Omoyele Sowore was among those who bought the submission that the act is aimed at truncating the planned protest.
Taking to his X, Sowore who accused government of focusing on the wrong issues said “A lot of Nigerians survive by using their mobile devices daily for a variety of transactions to avoid total starvation; now the
@officialABAT is conniving with TELCOS, particularly @MTNNG @GloWorldand @AirtelNigeria to shut down this last means of existence.
While the telecom companies have said it has to do with only those who have not linked their National Identity Number (NIN) to their phone lines, some of those affected debunk the submission insisting that they have complied with the directed over a year ago.
While the chicken and egg arguments continue, here are simply ways to unbar your MTN line due to NIN related issue according to MTN who claim to be the largest telecom company in the country.
Taking to their official X the company tweeted
“Unlock your line any time anywhere.
“Here are easy steps you can take.
“Get Started at nin.mtn.ng
“Need additional support from our stores
“We are open 7 days a week.,” the company submitted
However , the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered telecommunications operators to reactivate all telephone lines that were barred because of their inability to verify their National Identification Numbers (NINs) with their Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs).
Subcribers however wait to see whether this will be complied with while battling with efforts to reconnect with their friends and families on one hand and continue their online business on the other.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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