Temporary Disruption To SIM Services In Nigeria As NIMC Introduces New Verification Platform.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has announced that mobile network subscribers across the country will face temporary disruptions to SIM-related services. The interruption stems from a directive issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) mandating a transition to a new identity verification platform.
ALTON, in a statement released on Tuesday, 1 July 2025, and signed by its Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, and Publicity Secretary, Damian Udeh, explained that the migration to the new platform has encountered unforeseen technical challenges. These issues have impacted the ability of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to provide seamless SIM-related services, including SIM swaps, replacements, and new activations. “The new platform aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of identity management systems,” Adebayo stated. “However, the transition has temporarily hindered operators from offering these services.”
The move to the new verification system is part of NIMC’s broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s national identity management framework. By improving the security and reliability of identity verification, the platform is expected to combat issues such as identity fraud and enhance national security measures linked to mobile telecommunications. The initiative follows years of efforts to enforce SIM-NIN linkage, a policy launched in December 2020 to ensure all SIM cards are traceable to a National Identification Number (NIN), thereby curbing criminal activities facilitated by unregistered SIMs.
Gbenga Adebayo, speaking on behalf of ALTON, reassured subscribers that the disruptions are temporary and that telecom operators are working closely with NIMC to resolve the technical difficulties. “Stakeholders are actively addressing the challenges, and we expect services to resume normalcy soon,” he said. While no specific timeline for full restoration was provided, Adebayo urged subscribers to remain patient during the transition period.
This development comes amidst Nigeria’s ongoing push to integrate digital identity systems with telecommunications. The SIM-NIN linkage policy has already seen significant progress, with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) reporting in October 2024 that all active SIM cards in the country are now linked to a NIN. The new platform is expected to further streamline this process, offering improved efficiency for both operators and subscribers once fully implemented.
For now, Nigerians seeking to perform SIM-related transactions are advised to monitor updates from their service providers or visit official channels, such as the NIMC website or mobile operator platforms, for guidance. ALTON has reaffirmed its commitment to complying with NIMC’s directive and ensuring a swift return to normal service operations.