A widespread network outage affecting MTN Nigeria has left millions of subscribers without access to calls, texts, or internet services, sparking a flurry of complaints on social media.
The disruption, which began on the evening of May 5, 2025, is being described by users as a “complete shutdown,” with no official statement from the telecommunications giant regarding the cause or resolution as of May 6.
According to Downdetector, MTN’s network performance has plummeted, with many users reporting issues across its services.
The timing of the outage has heightened frustration, particularly among those relying on mobile networks for essential services such as banking, remote work, and communication.
On social media platform X, users expressed their discontent. One user, @Yemihazan, posted on May 6: “MTN tripped off since yesterday night, complete shut down till now.
“No consequences for madness like this in this nonsense country, explains why these network providers move like retards.” The post quickly gained traction, echoing the general frustration over the lack of accountability.
Other users, like @Khanstillday, voiced their distrust in MTN, accusing the company of subpar service and poor data plans. “I think it’s high time we boycotted MTN. Their network is terrible, and their data plans are a rip-off,” the user wrote, alluding to a perceived pattern of service failure.
Prominent voices like @DanielRegha shared their personal struggles, citing issues with data subscriptions and customer service.
“Thank you @MTNNG for STEALING my data,” Regha remarked, highlighting the ongoing issues with MTN’s services.
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Meanwhile, @TheKelvinAsaju used humour to cope with his frustration, posting, “At this point, I’ve toggled Airplane mode so much, MTN should just hand me a pilot’s license. What kind of useless network is this?!”
The absence of an official response from MTN Nigeria has only amplified public outrage.
@Mazi_OJD criticised the company’s silence, stating, “MTN network is terrible but no one’s issuing a statement cos Nigerians don’t know they deserve accountability for poor service.”
This sentiment of frustration has fuelled calls for greater transparency and a more responsive customer service approach.
For many users, the outage has had severe financial consequences.
As mobile networks are critical for Nigeria’s push towards cashless transactions, users like @SirDavidBent expressed the challenge of conducting financial transactions during the disruption, calling on MTN to “stop telecommunications and turn their offices to canteens.”
The current outage follows a series of similar network disruptions for MTN Nigeria, including incidents in February 2024 and February 2025, which were attributed to fibre cuts and undersea cable damage. Despite previous apologies, the frequency of these outages has eroded public trust in the company.
As Nigerians continue to struggle with the ongoing outage, demands for regulatory oversight and greater competition in the telecommunications sector are growing.
For now, subscribers are left navigating their frustrations online, awaiting a resolution.