The recent downtime experienced by MTN Nigeria’s network services has sparked frustration among subscribers, particularly amidst the ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship in the country. Many users took to social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), to express their concerns and suspicions regarding the timing of the network issues.
The outage, which affected both voice and data services, led to speculations that the disruption might have been intentional to hinder communication during the #EndBadGovernance protests. Subscribers voiced their frustrations, with some accusing MTN of deliberately causing the network issues on the day of the planned demonstration. The lack of a response from MTN only added to the speculation and frustration among users.
Social media users like Opeolu_waa and Sunnyjoflife highlighted the suspicious timing of the network problems, suggesting that MTN might be trying to disrupt communication during the protests. Other users shared similar experiences and raised concerns about the possible government involvement in managing communication during the demonstrations.
In response to the network issues, MTN announced the closure of all its offices and service centers across the country for 24 hours, starting from July 30, 2024. This decision was made in light of vandalism fears following an incident where angry subscribers whose phone lines were barred due to non-compliance with the NIN-SIM linkage policy resorted to destructive actions.
Human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, cautioned telecommunications companies against limiting internet access in an attempt to stifle the planned nationwide protests. Adegboruwa emphasized that any restrictions on internet connectivity would be seen as a violation of citizens‘ rights to free speech and assembly.
The situation highlights the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and upholding fundamental rights during times of civil unrest. As the protests continue and tensions rise, it is crucial for telecommunications companies like MTN to maintain transparent communication with their subscribers and address any network issues promptly to avoid further speculation and frustration. Ultimately, the right to access reliable communication services should be upheld to facilitate peaceful expression and dialogue in a democratic society.