07 July 2025
Nigerian telecom operators are currently experiencing widespread SIM-related service outages following a directive from the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC) to adopt a new national identity verification platform..jpg?lu=402)
The transition has impacted SIM swaps, replacements, and new activations, leading to technical issues that hinder real-time processes such as SIM registration and number porting.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) confirmed that these disruptions are affecting all telecom providers across the country. NIMC states that the migration aims to enhance the security and efficiency of the national identification verification system, a critical component in strengthening identity authentication and reducing fraud.
According to recent estimates from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria had over 141 million active mobile lines as of January 2025, highlighting the scale of the impact. ALTON has acknowledged the inconvenience caused to millions of users and has appealed for patience while working closely with the NCC and other relevant authorities to resolve the issues.
In a statement, ALTON expressed understanding for the frustration among users, saying: “we understand the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely apologise for the disruption. We remain fully committed to regulatory compliance and will continue to provide timely updates as we work toward stabilising services.”
