SIM services suspended nationwide as TelCos tackle identity system migration glitch

By Seun Ibiyemi

Telecommunication operators across Nigeria have temporarily suspended all SIM card registrations, replacements, and related services due to a nationwide disruption caused by an ongoing platform migration.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), which represents the country’s mobile network operators (MNOs), disclosed on Tuesday that the disruption stems from a mandated transition to a new identity verification platform introduced by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

The updated system is intended to strengthen the integrity and efficiency of Nigeria’s identity management infrastructure. However, ALTON revealed that the migration has resulted in unexpected technical issues that are currently affecting the availability of SIM-related services nationwide.

“During this period, MNOs will not be able to support SIM swap, SIM replacement, activation of new subscribers, and other SIM-related services,” ALTON stated.

The disruption is likely to affect millions of users, as real-time identity verification is essential for services such as SIM registration, SIM swaps, and Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

ALTON assured Nigerians that operators are collaborating with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIMC, and other regulators to resolve the issues as quickly as possible.

In the interim, subscribers have been advised to defer visits to customer service outlets for any SIM-related transactions until the system stabilises.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and