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| SIM cards resting on desk during system upgrade |
Mobile firms must integrate their databases with NIMC’s upgraded platform. This move aims to speed up checks and curb fraud. It also means agents nationwide will briefly stop linking phone numbers with National Identity Numbers (NINs).
Network users are urged to act early. Anyone needing a new SIM, swap, or NIN link should visit service points before the switch. Telcos will reopen services once testing concludes. ALTON did not fix a firm date yet .
Subscribers have mixed views. Some praise better security. Others worry about access to banking alerts, ride apps, and emergency calls. Telco spokespeople say they’ll clear backlogs fast.
Experts say the new platform can cut verification time by half. That may curb fake IDs and stolen lines. But it also risks delays if glitches arise. NIMC officials stress their new system has backup servers and 24-hour support.
For rural areas, limited agent numbers could mean longer waits. Civil society groups urge mobile firms to add pop-up centres in underserved zones. They also call on NIMC to share clear schedules to avoid confusion.
Small businesses that rely on SMS alerts fear revenue loss. They use automated codes to confirm sales and deliveries. Telcos promise fee waivers for any failed transactions during the pause.
Banks and fintech firms stand ready. They plan to notify customers via email and apps about the change. They also vow no extra charges for verification retries once services resume.
Social media is alive with tips. Many advise users to jot down their NIN codes and phone details before heading out. Others share agent contacts with short queues. A few claim underground operators offer quick links—users are warned against these scams.
Lawmakers have asked ALTON and NIMC for regular updates. They plan to call both bodies to testify before the Senate Committee on Communications. Their goal is to pin down an exact timeline and cost implications.
Mobile operators will post service-outage notices on apps, websites, and SMS. Users should check official channels before making trips. Some telcos may open mobile vans in city centres to ease pressure.
This shift ties to Nigeria’s drive to boost digital ID. The government hopes the new platform will join other public databases. That could unlock e-voting, health records, and social benefits.
ALTON urges calm. The pause is only temporary. It marks a major tech leap for the telecom sector. Once live, customers should see faster verifications and fewer dropped calls from mismatched IDs.
Readers are welcome to share thoughts below. Have you linked your NIN already? How will this pause affect your work or plans?
For rural areas, limited agent numbers could mean longer waits. Civil society groups urge mobile firms to add pop-up centres in underserved zones. They also call on NIMC to share clear schedules to avoid confusion.
Small businesses that rely on SMS alerts fear revenue loss. They use automated codes to confirm sales and deliveries. Telcos promise fee waivers for any failed transactions during the pause.
Banks and fintech firms stand ready. They plan to notify customers via email and apps about the change. They also vow no extra charges for verification retries once services resume.
Social media is alive with tips. Many advise users to jot down their NIN codes and phone details before heading out. Others share agent contacts with short queues. A few claim underground operators offer quick links—users are warned against these scams.
Lawmakers have asked ALTON and NIMC for regular updates. They plan to call both bodies to testify before the Senate Committee on Communications. Their goal is to pin down an exact timeline and cost implications.
Mobile operators will post service-outage notices on apps, websites, and SMS. Users should check official channels before making trips. Some telcos may open mobile vans in city centres to ease pressure.
This shift ties to Nigeria’s drive to boost digital ID. The government hopes the new platform will join other public databases. That could unlock e-voting, health records, and social benefits.
ALTON urges calm. The pause is only temporary. It marks a major tech leap for the telecom sector. Once live, customers should see faster verifications and fewer dropped calls from mismatched IDs.
Readers are welcome to share thoughts below. Have you linked your NIN already? How will this pause affect your work or plans?