Samson Echenim 
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has said the problem of failed activation of new SIM cards, swapping and other SIM-related services being experienced by millions of Nigerians across all telecom networks is caused by migration ordered by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).
In a statement on Tuesday explained that millions of telecom subscribers in the country are currently unable to access SIM-related services, such as new activation of SIMs, SIM swap, or replacement, following a technical disruption linked to a platform migration ordered by the NIMC.
According to the body, the disruption affects all mobile network operators (MNOs) in the country and is a direct result of a mandated transition to a new identity verification platform by NIMC.
“During this period, MNOs will not be able to support SIM swaps, SIM replacements, activation of new subscribers, and other SIM-related services,” ALTON stated.
The association maintained that the migration, which is intended to improve the security and efficiency of national identity verification, has introduced unexpected technical challenges, halting the ability of mobile networks to carry out real-time verification processes required for SIM registration, number portability, and other essential services.
The disruption has caused severe hitches to businesses relying SIM services to function.
ALTON has advised the public to postpone visits to telecom service centers for such services until the issue is resolved.
“We understand the inconvenience this may cause and sincerely apologize for the disruption. We remain fully committed to regulatory compliance and will continue to provide timely updates,” ALTON assured.
