NIMC Resumes SIM Swap Services After Three-Week Pause

The National Identification Management System (NIMC) has announced the resumption of SIM swap services on its platform. This development comes three weeks after SIM-related services, including activation, replacement, and authentication, were temporarily paused due to a technical transition on the Commission’s portal. The NIMC issued a notice confirming that Nigerians can now access the service through their mobile network operators (MNOs), which have been integrated into the National Identity Number Authentication (NINAuth) platform. The transition aims to make identity verification more seamless and secure.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had previously mandated that NIN linkage services across MNOs such as Airtel, Glo, MTN, and 9mobile transition to a new identity verification platform by the NIMC. This migration is intended to enhance the security and efficiency of national identity verification. Since the transition, real-time activities such as verification processes required for SIM registration, number porting, and other essential services were halted for millions of Nigerian telecom subscribers. While this has caused inconveniences for subscribers over the past three weeks, only the SIM swap services have been restored under the NINAuth platform, with other services such as activation and replacement still unavailable. This means that purchasing a new SIM card remains unavailable for Nigerians without the NIN linkage in operation.

Introduced by the NIMC in May 2025, NINAuth is a suite of services that includes web, API, and mobile verification designed to enhance data security, protect privacy, and simplify access to government services. The platform aims to empower individuals with greater control over their personal information and regulate a reliable National Digital Identity for citizens and legal residents to affirm their identity. The NINAuth is now employed for verification and authentication across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), according to the Commission.

Telecom operators have confirmed the restoration of the SIM swap service. MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria both affirmed the restoration and expressed appreciation for the NIMC's support. MTN Nigeria stated that the migration to the new platform on the commission’s portal has been completed and urged Nigerians experiencing any delays to visit their nearest service center for assistance. Airtel Nigeria also acknowledged the NIMC’s efforts and collaboration, confirming that SIM swap-related services have been restored. The move follows efforts to coordinate digital identity across sectors, with the NIMC portal playing a significant role in the process. The identity verification falls within the SIM card ownership under the NIN integration project, which began in December 2020 when the government directed telecommunication companies to deactivate unregistered SIM cards that were not linked to NIN. The verification of all mobile users strengthens confidence in digital transactions, reduces the risk of fraud and cybercrime, and supports greater participation in e-commerce, digital banking, financial inclusion, and mobile money services.