SIM swap service resumes as telcos migrates to NINAuth portal

The National Identification Management System (NIMC) has announced that the SIM swap service has now been restored on its platform. The development comes three weeks after SIM-related services, such as activation, replacement and authentication, were paused due to a technical transition on the Commission’s portal. 

A notice issued by the NIMC on Sunday, and confirmed by MTN and Airtel, said that Nigerians can now access the service using their mobile network operators (MNOs), having been integrated into the National Identity Number Authentication (NINAuth) platform.

The commission noted that the transition has now made identity verification seamless and secure. 

“Facing SIM-related issues, especially SIM swap? The issue is now resolved across all networks!  Thanks to NIMC’s NINAuth,” the statement reads. 

Recall that the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), on July 2, noted that the NIN linkage services across MNOs such as Airtel, Glo, MTN and 9mobile have been mandated to transition to a new identity verification platform by the NIMC.

It explained that the migration is intended to improve the security and efficiency of the national identity verification.

Also Read: SIM activation and replacement stall as Nigerian telcos migrate to new identity verification portal.

Since the development took effect, 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 the situation has caused several inconveniences for Nigerian subscribers over the past three weeks, only the SIM swap services have now been restored under the NINAuth, while other services, such as activation and replacement, are still unavailable.

This means that without the NIN linkage in operation, purchasing a new SIM card is still unavailable for Nigerians. 

Introduced by NIMC in May 2025, NINAuth is a cutting-edge 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 confirm SIM swap service restoration

Some MNOs have also confirmed the availability. In a separate statement from both MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, they affirmed the restoration and appreciated NIMC for the support.

MTN Nigeria, in its statement, expressed that the migration to a new platform on the commission’s portal has now been completed. The telecom operator also urged Nigerians experiencing any delay with the service to visit its nearest MTN service centre for prompt assistance. 

“We acknowledge the recent service disruptions affecting all SIM-related services and sincerely apologise for the inconvenience. 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,” it said. 

Airtel Nigeria also acknowledged NIMC’s efforts and collaboration, stressing that SIM swap-related services have now been restored. 

“The NIMC portal is up and running. We regret earlier messages suggesting otherwise. We’re sorry for the delay and are addressing the issue. We’ll update customers once resolved,” it said. 

The move follows efforts to coordinate digital identity across sectors, while the NIMC portal plays a significant role in the process.

The identity verification falls within the SIM card ownership under the NIN integration project.

The compulsory exercise began in December 2020 when the government of President Muhammadu Buhari directed telecommunication companies to deactivate unregistered SIM cards that were not linked to NIN.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), 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.