MTN | Zikoko!

The Nigerian government doesn’t deliver on a lot of promises, but it seems to be doing something with NIN-SIM linkage.

Just to recap, the government came up with an idea in 2020 based on security and socio-economic reasons. Many kidnappers were making simple phone calls to demand ransom payments from their victims’ families, and they were getting away with it. To make that process harder, the government directed all mobile subscribers in Nigeria to link their National Identity Number (NIN) with their Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

How did Nigerians take it?

Millions of Nigerians rushed to link their NIN to their SIM cards to avoid getting banned by a government that has a Ph.D. in banning stuff. But there were thousands of other Nigerians who were not enthusiastic about it.

Some Nigerians were discouraged by the rush and queues that followed the directive, and others just didn’t trust the government to know their business. It didn’t help that it became public knowledge around the same time that the man behind the idea, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, had some past romance with terrorism.

But Buhari said the minister was an impressionable young man when he was doing PDA with terrorist ideas and all sins were forgiven. But Pantami was actually 34 at the time.

ALSO READ: 5 Nigerians Talk About Getting Their NIN

What did the government do?

Because the initial two-week deadline set by the government in December 2020 was an inconvenient joke, it was moved by more weeks. And then it was moved by more months and more months after that. In total, the government postponed the deadline eight different times spanning over 15 months.

The continuous postponements fueled public scorn that the government would never actually go through with banning millions of people and wreck one of Nigeria’s few profitable sectors. That was until April 4th 2022.

No NIN-SIM linkage, no outgoing calls

On April 4th 2022, the government directed telecoms companies to bar people who have failed to do NIN-SIM linkage from making outgoing calls. Over 73 million active mobile lines in Nigeria are affected by the ban.

Pantami asked those affected to link their NIN to their SIM cards to get the ban lifted.

We spoke to some of the Nigerians affected on how they’re dealing with the situation.

Chioma* — graphic designer in Enugu

The reason for not registering for NIN or linking it to my SIM is very simple — the system cannot be trusted. The idea of submitting my BVN as one of the criteria didn’t sit well with me. The same government asked for BVN registration for easy tracking of individuals but today, kidnappers and other criminal groups collect ransom via bank accounts. The government and its agencies are doing nothing about it.

I see the government and its agencies as jokers and a confused set of people. Why should I even pay to get NIN? Right now, I’m not feeling bad about my line being blocked, because there are alternative means of communication. My friends and family are calling in, and I can make outgoing calls with WhatsApp. I’m still not registering.

Adetoye* — student in Lagos

I tried to do the NIN-SIM linkage offline but it was looking stressful so I stopped trying. I didn’t get a chance to do it since then because I don’t go out often. The ban isn’t really affecting me because I don’t like phone calls like that. I mostly just stay online and chat. As long as I can still browse, I won’t link anything. What will be will be.

Daniel* — data analyst in Ogun State

Interestingly, I had linked my Airtel lines before the deadline. It was only my MTN lines that I didn’t link. My Airtel lines were barred but my MTN lines are still active as we speak. I have been unable to do anything work-related as I mostly use my Airtel SIM on my router. I had to buy data on my MTN to continue working.

I’ll wait for the system to self-correct. It’s not like I have a choice. I’d fancied my chances at filing a class action suit against NIMC, NCC, FG, and Airtel but we all know my chances at getting compensation are as real as pigs flying.

Linda* — student in Abuja

There’s just one reason I didn’t link my SIM to my NIN, abi is it NIN to SIM — I get coconut head and I no dey hear word. Also, I wanted to see what would really happen if I didn’t do it. E no too affect me. I was owing MTN ₦4500 that I had used up. Make dem no unblock am sef.

I’ll enjoy this peace of mind and continue using my router to browse and use my social media apps to make calls. When they’re tired, they’ll rest.

Jude* — student in Lagos

I did my NIN-SIM linkage in 2018 before the linkage drive even began in 2020. I was just surprised I couldn’t call since then because I did it alongside my first line. The ban isn’t affecting me because it’s only my second line that’s barred. My first line is still active and linked with my NIN. There’s nothing to do about it. Maybe GLO’s NIN activation was temporary or not working when I did it. I’ll try the code again later.

ALSO READ: How to Get Away with $9.8 Million — the Andrew Yakubu Story

Samson Toromade

April 9, 2022

Citizen

Airtel, Glo, Isa Pantami, MTN, NIMC, NIN-SIM linkage
MTN Nigeria recently announced the price of its initial public offering to retail investors.The offer which opened at 8:00am on the 1st of December 2021 will close at 5:00pm on the 14th of December 2021 with a minimum subscription of 20 shares and lots of 20 shares thereafter.

At the retail offer roadshow in Enugu which held recently, the Chief Executive Officer, MTN Nigeria, Olutokun Toriola expressed his desire to have as many Nigerians own a share of MTN thus benefiting from the growth of the company.

Here are five reasons to embrace this public offer and invest:

1. A compelling growth story

According to the CEO, MTN is offering shareholders both strong dividends and strong growth. Growth of the dividends and growth of the market price with consistent payout.

2. A well-managed company

MTN Nigeria is a company that is well governed, and very efficient at what it does. According to him “We are disciplined, we have a board of directors that oversee what we do, we have auditors that check that the money is where it is supposed to be. We have a group that also ensures we are providing the profit margins that are expected of us.

3. ”Here to stay”

MTN is not exiting Nigeria and will continue to remain in Nigeria. MTN Group thus wants more Nigerians to participate in wealth creation in the future of MTN. This is why the public offer of 575 million shares for sale is made available in this first phase of a sell down.

4. Well-positioned for the long term

MTN is the leading operator in solutions for small and large businesses, as well as financial services and digital services. MTN believes that everyone in every village deserves the benefit of a modern connected life and will continue to lead and drive digital solutions for Nigeria.

5. Incentive

The offer includes an incentive in the form of 1 free share for every 20 shares purchases, subject to a maximum of 250 free shares per investor. The incentive is open to retail investors who buy and hold the shares allotted to them for at least 12 months, post the allotment date.

Investors can submit applications through the issuing houses, receiving agents (authorised stockbrokers and Nigerian banks) and online via a unique digital application platform, PrimaryOffer, administered by the Nigerian Exchange Limited and can visit www.mtnonline.com/po for more information.

Susan Nwaobiala

December 7, 2021

Announcements, Personal Finance

Investment, MTN, Shares
Worried that your enemies will turn you into a laughing stock because of how broke you are? Do these 5 things and no one will ever guess that it’s 2,000 Naira you have left in your bank account.

1. Rub groundnut oil on your face

Groundnut oil will make you glow. Even if hunger is showing you pepper, you must not let it reflect on your face. That’s the fastest way enemies will know you are broke.

2. Wear clothes with money related inscriptions

“I am a millionaire” or “30 BG” will do the trick.

3. Always play loud music in your house

That way, if your enemies live nearby, they won’t hear you breaking a coconut to drink garri.

4. Decorate your house with empty packaging boxes

Make sure it’s packaging from top brands. At least, if your enemies disguise themselves as friends and pay you a visit, they’ll know that you’re not their mate. It’s a condition that made crayfish bend.

5. Reactive your old MTN SIM card

When you reactivate your old MTN SIM card, you get a whopping 12x amount on recharges above N50! You can use it to call for hours and let people think you’re so rich that airtime is the least of your problems.

Susan Nwaobiala

October 23, 2021

Inside Life

broke, MTN, Sapa, Sponsored Post
1. Gain New Knowledge

We all love to be the smartest person in the room and knowledge is one thing no one can take away from you. Maximize your free data subscription to surf the internet and learn something new.

2. Catch Up with Your Folks

Imagine what life would be like without family and friends? Catching up with those you care about won’t cost you anything on August 8. They probably won’t even know you are calling them with awoof airtime.

3. Apply for That Opportunity

The only way to make a headway in life is by shooting your shot. Now would be the perfect time to send out your application for that job, scholarship or funding opportunity you’ve had your eyes on for a while.

4. Send Cute Pictures to Bae

Bless your lover with cute photos and make them feel extra special. The intention is all that really matters!

5. Listen to Podcasts

This is a productive way to while away time and keep your mind engaged. You can listen to podcasts as you go about your regular activities.

6. Watch the News

There’s so much drama going on in the country and even abroad. Use your free data to catch up with the news and remain current.

7. Follow Up with the Olympics

If you love sports you should see what’s going on in Tokyo as the Olympics 2020 is ongoing. You can either watch the event live via your streaming platform or catch the highlights on YouTube.

8. Binge-Watch Tik-Tok Videos

Watching Tik-Tok videos is an exciting way to keep yourself entertained all day long. See all the fun and hilarious videos people are creating all around the world.

9. Stream Music

Music is therapeutic and gets us through the daily hustle and bustle of life. Enjoy good music on whichever music platform you choose without thinking about the cost of data.

MTN’s anniversary freebies will only be available on August 8, 2021, so you know what to do

Kunle Ologunro

August 8, 2021

Inside Life

MTN, MTN 20th Anniversary, MTN at 20
Johnnie, Jazz & Whisky, the nation’s premier platform for live, truly sensational afro-jazz music experiences, is back in Lagos following a nationwide tour of Abuja, Port Harcourt and other Nigerian cities.

Get ready for an exciting evening assortment of the finest cocktail serves, with unforgettable live performances by melodious Adekunle Gold, jazzy Lagbaja, and soulful Wande Coal on Saturday, August 24^th 2019.

Johnnie Walker, the world’s most desired Scotch whisky, will showcase “The Johnnie Walker Highball Cocktail Serve”, a new, vibrant and inspiring way to enjoy the smooth flavours of Johnnie Walker Black Label, specially curated for palates seeking to add spice to lifestyle.

To lovers of fine live music and finest whisky, stay connected to @johnniewalkerng to get the chance of an invite to JJW Lagos.

Join the conversation with #JJWLagos #JJWwithMTN #KeepWalkingNigeria.

18+. Drink Responsibly.

Astor George

August 19, 2019

Inside Life

Adekunle Gold, cocktail, JJW, Johnny Walker, Lagbaja, Lagos, LIve, MTN, sponsored, Walking, wande coal
You all know what it’s like to see your money flash before your eyes. Yes, money, not your life. That moment when you enter a crowded room and realized that something has left you. Your phone or your wallet is your biggest guess. If you thought we meant something else, you are on your own.

When it’s your phone and the pain of loss finishes its course through your body and you realize you need to block that number and block the account so that nobody uses your bank app to redesign your life, the panic sets in!

You’ve lost your number and nobody can reach you, so you buy that new SIM card. If your friends can convince you, you try out another network. Two weeks after, regret sets in and you wish you could go back in time. Half your friends can’t reach and it’s becoming a serious something.

But er, oga things don’t have to be so complicated na! For instance, if you had an MTN SIM and the brothers of the night have picked you (sorry in arrears) here’s what you can do:

1) Take a deep breath and do some smart calculations:

GET OUT OF THERE! Don’t try to be brave. Get out of the environment and go somewhere safe. This season is fun but also the time for sticky fingers. When you are calm and have taken the right steps – report the theft and block your accounts if necessary – make sure that your phone number was registered.

2) Get All You Need
- Make sure you have the SIM pack or other evidence of direct purchase/ownership of that sim card. If your SIM pack is unavailable, get a sworn affidavit attesting to your ownership and loss is required.
- Three (3) frequently-dialled numbers. Everybody has those three people (in fact, 10 maybe) that we can’t stop calling.
- Any details of your last recharge activities (no matter how small, it will work)
- You would also need a valid form of photo ID – International Passport, Driver’s License, National ID Card, Voters Identification Card (NINs slip with ID number are also cool).
- Go to an authorized centre and find your way
3) Avoid Sketchy Areas:

A sound piece of advice, from 9:00 pm, please try and avoid dark areas or places that are not well illuminated. “Had I known”, is as bad as it sounds, so we all need to be smart.

But the best thing to do is to try to protect against this happening in the first place (well, as much as is possible). Avoid using your phones in ‘shady’ areas. Always be vigilant and as mundane and childish as it seems, avoid speaking to strangers. Also, keep your things securely.

So, have fun, have a lit time, but above all, be safe! could check here for more details on SIM swap: https://www.mtnonline.com/personal/sim-service/sim-swap/
Astor George

February 12, 2019

Inside Life

MTN, sponsored
This post was inspired by Twitter user, @SirLeoBDaSilva.
1. Just look at the adorable little boy in this Pomo Rice ad.

2. This ad about the legendary Kanu ‘Papilo’ Nwanko.

3. This step by step Blue Band band ad that makes us miss primary school.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAQ4-u3UuB0

4. That time MTN decided to get us in our feelings.

5. When Gino Tomato Paste gave us serious family goals.

6. That time Kanu Nwankwo and his cute son were amazing in another Peak Milk ad.

7. When Baba Blue saved someone’s life.

8. This unforgettable Mimi Noodles ad.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XYQ3RfK3v4

9. When Falz slayed us in this really shady MTN Pulse advert.

10. When Panadol Extra made us understand the meaning of ‘Oga na master’.

11. This amazing ad that made us proud of our Nigerian culture.

12. This hilarious anti-malaria campaign.

Maryam

August 10, 2016

Oldies

gino, MTN, Nigeria, Nigerian Ad, peak milk, pomo rice
1. When you buy a new sim and you have to go and register it.

STRESS!
2. When you get a text thinking someone cares about you but it’s just your network provider.

See my life.
3. You, looking for signal every that actually matters.

You’ll never have network in your house or office, but you’ll be getting in the middle of the road.
4. When your phone finally shows 3G and it’s still not browsing.

Is this a joke?
5. Whenever they ask you to pay N100 to get some “inspirational quotes”.

Save it, biko.
6. When they give you caller tunes by force.

They will now collect money from you. Oversabis.
7. When they dash you credit but say you can only call people on the same network.

See nonsense.
8. Your network provider, when you want to port:

Oya beg me.
9. When you load credit to call people and they use it to auto-renew your data.

WHO SENT YOU?
10. When you load data and they “dash” you 10MB.

To use and do what, ehn?
11. When they send you “congratulations, you can now borrow airtime.”

Congratulations ke? Is it an achievement?
12. When you see them reducing their data cost but their network is still trash.

See these ones.
13. When you get that “100MB remaining” message.

My God is bigger than you.
14. When you answer a call from a strange number and it’s your network provider.

What the hell?
15. “A customer care representative will be with you shortly.”

Still waiting.

Daniel Orubo

June 8, 2016

Oldies

Airtel, etisalat, Glo, MTN, Network provider, Nigeria

How did Nigerians take it?

What did the government do?

No NIN-SIM linkage, no outgoing calls

Chioma* — graphic designer in Enugu

Adetoye* — student in Lagos

Daniel* — data analyst in Ogun State

Linda* — student in Abuja

Jude* — student in Lagos

1. A compelling growth story

2. A well-managed company

3. ”Here to stay”

4. Well-positioned for the long term

5. Incentive

1. Rub groundnut oil on your face

2. Wear clothes with money related inscriptions

3. Always play loud music in your house

4. Decorate your house with empty packaging boxes

5. Reactive your old MTN SIM card

1. Gain New Knowledge

2. Catch Up with Your Folks

3. Apply for That Opportunity

4. Send Cute Pictures to Bae

5. Listen to Podcasts

6. Watch the News

7. Follow Up with the Olympics

8. Binge-Watch Tik-Tok Videos

9. Stream Music

1. Just look at the adorable little boy in this Pomo Rice ad.

2. This ad about the legendary Kanu ‘Papilo’ Nwanko.

3. This step by step Blue Band band ad that makes us miss primary school.

4. That time MTN decided to get us in our feelings.

5. When Gino Tomato Paste gave us serious family goals.

6. That time Kanu Nwankwo and his cute son were amazing in another Peak Milk ad.

7. When Baba Blue saved someone’s life.

8. This unforgettable Mimi Noodles ad.

9. When Falz slayed us in this really shady MTN Pulse advert.

10. When Panadol Extra made us understand the meaning of ‘Oga na master’.

11. This amazing ad that made us proud of our Nigerian culture.

12. This hilarious anti-malaria campaign.

1. When you buy a new sim and you have to go and register it.

2. When you get a text thinking someone cares about you but it’s just your network provider.

3. You, looking for signal every that actually matters.

4. When your phone finally shows 3G and it’s still not browsing.

5. Whenever they ask you to pay N100 to get some “inspirational quotes”.

6. When they give you caller tunes by force.

7. When they dash you credit but say you can only call people on the same network.

8. Your network provider, when you want to port:

9. When you load credit to call people and they use it to auto-renew your data.

10. When you load data and they “dash” you 10MB.

11. When they send you “congratulations, you can now borrow airtime.”

12. When you see them reducing their data cost but their network is still trash.

13. When you get that “100MB remaining” message.

14. When you answer a call from a strange number and it’s your network provider.

15. “A customer care representative will be with you shortly.”

**Daniel* — data analyst in Ogun State**

**Jude* — student in Lagos**