NIMC Completes Migration to NINAuth, Directs Nigerians to Telcos for All NIN-SIM Issues

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has finalized the migration of all telecom operators in Nigeria to its upgraded identity verification infrastructure, the NINAuth platform.

This move signals a shift in Nigeria’s digital identity ecosystem, placing responsibility for all NIN-SIM-related issues squarely on mobile network operators.

In a statement signed by Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Head of Corporate Communications, NIMC urged Nigerians to direct complaints regarding SIM registration, swaps, migrations, and welcome back services to their telcos. “Any issue being experienced by NIN holders on New SIM registration, SIM swap, SIM migration, Welcome back SIM, and others should be directed to the Telcos for immediate resolution,” the statement read.

Stronger Data Security and Faster Identity Verification

According to NIMC, the new NINAuth platform significantly enhances the security, speed, and reliability of digital identity verification across both government and private sectors. It empowers users with greater control over personal data while ensuring seamless, real-time authentication.

“The NINAuth platform enhances data protection, gives control of personal data to the owners, offers seamless verification, and provides convenient sign-on access to services,” NIMC emphasized. This innovation is part of a broader national strategy to reinforce digital security and mitigate identity-related fraud.

Telecom Downtime Resolved After Earlier Disruption

Earlier in July, a system migration glitch temporarily disrupted SIM-related services nationwide, impacting millions of telecom users. Operators like MTN and Airtel were unable to access the previous NIN verification gateway, halting SIM swaps, porting, and new activations.

Following the completion of the migration, both MTN and Airtel confirmed full restoration of services last week. With NINAuth now live, telcos can independently manage identity verification processes, streamlining customer experience while reducing systemic bottlenecks.

Toward a Secure, Digitally Inclusive Nigeria

The NIN-SIM linkage, which became mandatory in 2020, remains central to Nigeria’s efforts to build a secure, fraud-resistant digital economy. By decentralizing NIN-related services to mobile operators, NIMC says it has equipped telcos with everything needed to provide uninterrupted identity verification going forward.

The Commission reassured Nigerians that its Verification and Authentication Service platforms remain accessible and fully operational for lawful checks. This digital infrastructure upgrade, combined with telco readiness, marks a new era for Nigeria’s digital identity framework, one focused on efficiency, accessibility, and stronger data protection.

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