MTN Nigeria launches nostalgia campaign, asks customers to trade old SIM packs for prizes

MTN Nigeria has invited customers to bring in old SIM packs, recharge cards, booster cards, dongles, and MTN-branded phones in exchange for prizes, as part of a nostalgia campaign the company is running under the hashtag #YelloMoments. The telecom giant announced the exercise on Wednesday, July 23, via its official social media pages, telling followers that items kept in drawers over the years could be worth something.

Customers who participate will also be featured on what MTN described as a "Memory Wall." The campaign has generated mixed reactions from followers, with a number pointing out that large parts of the country were left out of the drop-off network.

Collection centres across Nigeria

MTN named eight collection centres across the country where customers can deposit their items. The locations cover Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Delta, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.

In Lagos, customers can visit MTN Plaza at No. 1 Awolowo Road, Falomo, Ikoyi, or the office at 43 Allen Avenue, Ikeja. In Abuja, the collection point is at No. 4, Medeira Street, Maitama. In Kano, it is at 2, Civil Centre Road. In Jos, Plateau State, the centre is at Plot 3119, Royalfield Road. In Asaba, Delta State, the location is KLM 129, Benin–Asaba Expressway. In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, customers can go to 234, Old Aba Expressway, Opposite Hannah Fast Food. In Ibadan, Oyo State, the drop-off point is at MTN Regional Office 1, Olubadan Avenue and Up/Zartech Road, Oluyole Estate.

Customers demand clarity on prizes and coverage

MTN did not specify in the post what prizes customers would receive in exchange for their items. This lack of detail drew questions from several followers.

Oseghale Ese Victory wrote: "I have the old pack but I live in Edo State and Edo State is not added to the drop location." Godwin Jesse (Gk Graphix) shared a similar concern: "I have this MTN USB Modem MTN Nigeria But I'm from Adamawa State."

Šhoyemi Tajudeen Owolabi Megastar pressed the company on the value of participating: "Let us know the gift you want to offer if it worth the stress." Ifunanya Victor, based in Abuja, was willing to take part but wanted clarity first: "I have the pack and the card but would like to know what to get before coming."

Oyinloye Emmanuel Mayowa took a lighthearted approach, writing: "When you guys do the same promo in the next 10 years, I will be eligible." Some commenters used the post to air unrelated grievances about data loss and customer service, including Fidelis Emmanuel, who asked: "How the hell do I sub 5gb in the evening I wake up in the morning and the data is gone??"

What this means for consumers

For Nigerian telecom users, the campaign offers an opportunity to exchange forgotten items for potential rewards, though many customers outside the eight listed cities may feel excluded. The mixed reaction highlights a common challenge for such promotions: balancing national reach with limited logistics. Customers interested in participating should confirm prize details with MTN before travelling to any collection centre.