Nigeria’s telecommunications operators have temporarily suspended all SIM-related services, including new registrations, SIM swaps, NIN enrolment, and mobile number portability, following a system migration by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
The disruption stems from NIMC’s switch to a new identity verification platform developed by Blusalt Financial Services, a local fintech firm specialising in digital infrastructure. While the new system promises long-term efficiency, the immediate impact has left millions of Nigerians stranded without access to vital mobile services.
Confirming the development, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) issued a statement advising subscribers to defer all SIM-related activities until further notice. ALTON acknowledged the hardship the disruption may cause, especially to individuals and businesses that rely heavily on mobile connectivity for daily operations. The group also tendered an apology to the public, expressing hope that normalcy will be restored once the platform upgrade is completed.
The timing of the suspension raises concern, as NIMC is under pressure to meet its ambitious target of enrolling an additional 100 million Nigerians by the end of the year. With over 120 million people already registered, the commission aims to reach 95% national identity coverage, a key metric for enhancing telecom access, digital inclusion, and financial services penetration. However, delays in restoring the identity verification system could derail these targets and slow down SIM compliance across the country.
NIMC has yet to respond to public queries regarding its decision to engage a new vendor or provide a timeline for restoring services. Meanwhile, telecom subscribers are urged to exercise patience as authorities work swiftly to complete the transition. The outage highlights the critical role digital identity infrastructure plays in Nigeria’s mobile and financial ecosystems, underscoring the need for a more resilient and transparent upgrade process.