Nationwide Disruption Hits SIM Services in Nigeria
Millions of telecom subscribers across Nigeria are currently unable to access SIM-related services, including new SIM activations, SIM swaps, and replacements. This follows a technical disruption linked to a platform migration mandated by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) confirmed the disruption and explained that all Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are affected.
Why the SIM Disruption is Happening
The root cause of the issue is a mandated transition to a new identity verification platform introduced by NIMC. The platform, intended to enhance the security and efficiency of national identity verification, has caused unexpected technical challenges that prevent mobile operators from verifying subscriber information in real time.
As a result, telcos are currently unable to process:
- SIM swaps
- SIM replacements
- New SIM registrations
- Number portability and related services
Impact on Subscribers
The outage has major implications for Nigerians who rely on mobile networks for:
- Daily communication
- Business operations
- Access to digital services and financial apps
ALTON has urged subscribers to postpone visits to service centres for any SIM-related services until the issue is resolved.
Efforts Underway to Resolve the Problem
According to ALTON, telecom operators are working closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIMC, and other relevant authorities to restore normal operations.“We understand the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely apologise for the disruption,” the statement read.
“We remain fully committed to regulatory compliance and will continue to provide timely updates.” Although no specific timeline has been given, ALTON reassured the public of its commitment to providing secure, reliable, and high-quality telecom services.
What You Need to Know About the NIMC Platform Migration
This disruption is tied to Nigeria’s broader digital identity efforts. Under the SIM-NIN integration policy, all SIM cards must be linked to their owner’s National Identification Number (NIN) at the point of registration. In September, the NCC declared that all active lines had been successfully linked to NINs. However, this policy also means that if NIMC servers are down, no SIM-related operations can take place.
Conclusion
The ongoing platform migration by NIMC has temporarily halted SIM services nationwide, affecting millions. While efforts are ongoing to fix the issues, telecom subscribers are advised to stay informed through official channels and wait for further updates before seeking SIM-related services.
