Violent protests against MTN Nigeria, following the blocking of some subscribers’ lines over the weekend, are exacerbating tensions in the West African nation.
In response to the vandalism, MTN has closed its stores across the country.
This unrest aligns with nationwide protests scheduled to begin on Tuesday, as Nigerians demonstrate against corruption and the worsening economy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The day before the protests, mobile network operators face a deadline to deregister clients who have not complied with the government mandate to link their SIM cards to their national identity numbers (NIN).
Days before the deadline, some mobile operators have deactivated subscribers who haven’t complied, with MTN, the largest South African-based operator, reportedly deregistering the most.
This has sparked protests against MTN, with demonstrations occurring at its offices in cities including Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, and Osogbo.
Officials have confirmed the closures of these stores.
A security think tank, Crisis24, predicts that protests against MTN will likely continue beyond the government’s Thursday deadline. They anticipate further demonstrations at MTN locations throughout Nigeria into early August, with increased security around MTN offices and potential clashes with security forces.
More intense confrontations are expected during youth-led protests starting Thursday, with demands for President Bola Tinubu’s resignation. Tinubu, who has been in office since 2023, faces threats of a government crackdown if protests escalate.
Additionally, a recent gasoline shortage has exacerbated tensions, causing long queues in the Federal Capital Territory and Lagos. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), the country’s sole gasoline importer, has cited issues with vessel discharge operations for the shortage. Some gas stations have raised prices or suspended sales as a result.