Nigeria's Telcos Can Now Provide NIN Verification for SIM Cards

Published Date : 8/5/2025 

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that telecommunications companies in Nigeria can now provide verification services for the National Identification Number (NIN). This move enhances the security and efficiency of NIN verification, making it easier for SIM card services. 

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has announced that telecommunications companies in Nigeria have been cleared to provide verification services for the National Identification Number (NIN). This significant step forward is designed to enhance the security, efficiency, and user experience of NIN verification services.

This development follows the migration of these telcos to the digital ID authentication platform, NINAuth, which was unveiled in May. With this platform, NIN holders can easily have their identity verified by telcos for services such as registering, swapping, or migrating SIM cards.

By migrating to this new platform, telecommunications firms can now provide uninterrupted verification services to their subscribers. This achievement is a result of NIMC’s painstaking efforts to put the power to control NIN data in the hands of the holders, according to a statement from the NIMC.

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. The Director, IT/IDD, NIMC, Engr Lanre Yusuf, confirmed that all telecommunications firms have been successfully migrated and uninterrupted verification services are being offered by the NIMC.

The NIMC also assured Nigerians of the functional state of its Verification and Authentication Service platforms, which are accessible to all. However, it noted that all verification issues related to SIM cards should be directed to the telcos for prompt resolution.

The NINAuth platform recently suffered downtime, but the NIMC says the issue was fixed and full services are now available. In this latest statement, the ID management body reiterated its commitment to providing secure, efficient, and user-friendly digital identity services to Nigerians.

The NIMC has also called on Nigerians to jealously preserve their personal information and not share it with anyone for a fee. This caution comes in the wake of recent information from the anti-graft agency, the EFCC, that fraudsters were fooling unsuspecting citizens to sell their personal identity information for very meagre fees.

According to the NIMC, this revelation is not only of serious security concern but of grave consequences for NIN holders. It warned that it would not be held responsible for any personal data theft given that Nigerians have been informed repeatedly in the past by the NIMC not to disclose their NIN to any unauthorized individual or organization. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is NINAuth?

A: NINAuth is the digital ID authentication platform developed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to enhance data protection and provide seamless verification services for NIN holders in Nigeria.

Q: Why are telcos now eligible to offer NIN verification services?

A: Telcos have been cleared to offer NIN verification services after migrating to the NINAuth platform, which enhances the security, efficiency, and user experience of NIN verification services.

Q: What services can NIN holders use with telco verification?

A: NIN holders can use telco verification services for registering, swapping, or migrating SIM cards, among other services.

Q: What should I do if I encounter issues with NIN verification for SIM cards?

A: If you encounter issues with NIN verification for SIM cards, you should direct these issues to the telcos for prompt resolution.

Q: How can I protect my NIN from fraudsters?

A: To protect your NIN from fraudsters, do not share your personal information with anyone for a fee and be cautious of unauthorized individuals or organizations asking for your NIN. 

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