Residents in Osun State expressed frustration and anger on Monday over having to pay N2,000 to unblock their mobile lines, which were barred by MTN, a leading network provider in Nigeria.
Many residents in Osogbo, the state capital, reported that MTN’s partnered telecommunications retailers were charging N2,000 for the re-registration process to link the barred lines with the National Identification Number (NIN) of the affected users. This fee has become a significant burden for many.
According to PUNCH, who observed the situation in key areas such as Olaiya Area, Fagbewesa Street, Olonkoro, and Igbona, noted long queues at various retail outlets. Residents were seen paying the N2,000 fee to have their lines unblocked.
One of the affected residents, Mr. Saka Ayodeji, a farmer from Osogbo, shared his experience while waiting at a retailer’s outlet in Igbona. He explained, “I was told to pay N2,000, and I don’t mind. I went to the MTN state office around Estate, Osogbo, where so many people were waiting to do their re-registration. I opted for this place because we have less crowd.”
Others echoed similar sentiments. Mrs. Justina Morenikeji and Mr. Akin Kajogbola, who spoke after being re-registered at a retail outlet in Olaiya Area, lamented the hardship caused by the line barring. Kajogbola confirmed the payment, noting they were informed that the line would be active again after 24 hours.
Meanwhile, in a show of anger and frustration, some residents blocked the Oke Fia/Dele-Yes-Sir dual carriageway in Osogbo. They protested against the alleged refusal of MTN officials to attend to them promptly. Many customers, who had traveled from different towns within the state, complained about the long wait despite arriving as early as 1:00 am.
