Telecommunications operators have resumed Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-related services after two weeks of disruption.
MTN Nigeria and Airtel announced the update recently on their social media platforms.
The telcos attributed the initial service delays to issues related to access to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC)’s verification platform.
“We acknowledge the recent service disruptions affecting all SIM-related services and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience,” MTN said.
“SIM swaps have now resumed.
“We can confirm that NIMC services are fully operational and appreciate their support in the migration to a new platform for NIN verification services for the telecommunications industry.
“If you’re experiencing any delays with SIM swaps, please visit the nearest MTN service centre for prompt assistance.”
Similar, Airtel also confirmed the resumption of Subscriber Identity Module swap services.
“The NIMC portal is up and running. We regret earlier messages suggesting otherwise,” Airtel posted.
“We’re sorry for the delay and are addressing the issue. We’ll update customers once resolved. We value our partnership with NIMC and appreciate your patience.”
The development comes more than two weeks after the disruption was announced.
On July 2, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) announced a temporary disruption of SIM-related services across all mobile networks in the country.
Gbenga Adebayo, the ALTON chairman, in a statement co-signed by Damian Udeh, the association’s publicity secretary, said the disruption follows a directive from the NIMC, which mandates mobile network operators (MNOs) to transition to a new identity verification platform.
He said the migration process, which directly impacts real-time identity verification required for Subscriber Identity Module registration, SIM replacement, mobile number portability (MNP), and other related services, has caused unforeseen technical challenges affecting service availability nationwide.
