by Isaac Rocks

Have you ever wondered why MTN decided to wipe away the debts of its users?

Let’s delve into the rationale behind this unexpected and generous move.

In a country where almost everyone relies on an MTN SIM as their primary mobile connection, the ubiquity of MTN usage makes users eligible for various services, including loans.

Many Nigerians found themselves indebted to MTN, owing sums as substantial as 7000 Naira. For a significant number, this debt became a hindrance, leading them to cease recharging their MTN SIMs altogether.

The cycle of accumulating debt, discontinuing recharges, and resorting to acquiring new SIM cards became a pattern for some users. With a similar borrowing process in place, Airtel offered a contrasting approach by limiting the amount users could owe, making it more manageable for them to repay. This distinction prompted some users to opt for Airtel over MTN.

Recognizing the potential loss of customers due to accumulated debts, MTN took a strategic step by clearing the debts of its users. The significant amount owed by many users, up to 7000 Naira, was perceived as a barrier preventing them from actively using their MTN SIMs. By erasing this debt, MTN aims to re-engage users who had refrained from recharging and, in some cases, resorted to switching to alternative providers.

The decision to clear debts is not merely an act of generosity; it’s a calculated business move. MTN anticipates that this debt clearance will encourage users to resume regular recharges, thereby boosting the company’s revenue. The cost of clearing the debt is considered an investment in customer retention, as losing a customer to a competitor proves more costly in the long run.

In essence, MTN has chosen a strategic path – sacrificing short-term losses for potential long-term gains. By removing the financial barriers that kept users from actively using their MTN SIMs, the telecommunications giant is banking on the likelihood that these users will return as paying customers, ultimately offsetting the cleared debts.

So, while MTN has wiped the slate clean for its users, it’s a strategic move that reflects the intricate dance between customer satisfaction and long-term business sustainability. In the end, whether through cleared debts or increased recharges, users will find themselves contributing to MTN’s bottom line.

Meanwhile, MTN has responded, saying, a system glitch in MTN Nigeria’s system has caused the disappearance of debt on the accounts of subscribers who had borrowed credit from the company.

However, the subscribers believe the telecom operator deliberately cancelled their debts and, hence, are already jubilating and thanking the company. An official of MTN confirmed to Nairametrics that the disappearance of debts in the subscribers’ accounts was a glitch, meaning that the subscribers will still have to pay the supposed cleared debts once MTN rectifies the issue.