The Affiliation of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has introduced a short lived suspension of SIM-related companies throughout all cell networks within the nation because of ongoing migration to a brand new identification verification platform mandated by the Nationwide Identification Administration Fee (NIMC).
ALTON, in an announcement issued on Tuesday and signed by its chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, and publicity secretary, Barr. Damian Udeh, mentioned the transition, which impacts processes corresponding to SIM swap, SIM substitute, new SIM activations, and Cellular Quantity Portability (MNP), has launched unexpected technical challenges, quickly disrupting real-time identification verification companies nationwide.
“This disruption follows a current directive from the NIMC, mandating our Cellular Community Operator (MNO) members to transition to a brand new identification verification platform. The migration course of, which is central to the verification required for SIM registration and different companies, has sadly impacted service availability,” ALTON defined.
In consequence, subscribers throughout Nigeria are at the moment unable to hold out SIM-related transactions, together with acquiring new SIMs, changing misplaced ones, or porting their numbers between networks. The disruption has sparked concern amongst tens of millions of customers who rely closely on cell connectivity for communication, monetary transactions, and different digital companies.
Whereas acknowledging the inconvenience, ALTON emphasised that the shift to the brand new NIMC system is meant to strengthen the integrity and effectivity of nationwide identification administration in the long run.
“This isn’t only a technical improve—it’s a part of a broader nationwide effort to boost knowledge safety and digital inclusion. Nonetheless, like with any large-scale migration, preliminary teething points are being encountered,” the assertion famous.
ALTON reaffirmed its dedication to regulatory compliance and disclosed that its members are working carefully with the Nigerian Communications Fee (NCC), NIMC, and different related stakeholders to resolve the mixing points as rapidly as doable.
“We sincerely apologize for the disruption and kindly advise subscribers to postpone visits to service facilities for SIM-related transactions till additional discover,” the group said.
Business analysts say the migration underscores ongoing efforts by the federal authorities to harmonize identification verification throughout crucial sectors, together with telecommunications, banking, and social companies. However in addition they warning that poor change administration may erode public belief if outages persist with out clear communication.
In the meantime, ALTON pledged to offer well timed updates because the scenario evolves and reiterated its members’ dedication to delivering safe, dependable, and high-quality telecommunications companies.
“We recognize the endurance, understanding, and continued help of the Nigerian public throughout this era,” the assertion added.
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