Mobile subscribers across Nigeria will experience temporary disruptions in SIM-related services as network operators implement a directive from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) made this known in a statement on Tuesday, warning of service downtimes that affect SIM activations, replacements, and swaps.
Signed by ALTON Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Damian Udeh, the statement explained that the interruption stems from a mandated transition to a new identity verification platform introduced by NIMC.
The new system, which is intended to improve the integrity and efficiency of national identity verification processes, has encountered unforeseen technical issues, causing a nationwide slowdown in mobile service operations.
“The transition to the new platform has temporarily hindered mobile network operators from offering seamless SIM-related services,” Adebayo said. “Subscribers will not be able to complete SIM swaps, replacements, new SIM activations, or other related requests until these issues are resolved.”
According to ALTON, the industry is working closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NIMC, and other regulatory bodies to resolve the integration challenges.
The association assured customers that all hands are on deck to restore services and limit the duration of the disruption.
“We regret the inconvenience this may cause to our subscribers and urge them to delay non-urgent SIM-related requests until further notice,” Adebayo stated.
He also reaffirmed ALTON’s commitment to delivering secure and high-quality telecommunications services and pledged to keep the public informed with timely updates as work progresses to stabilise the new system.
