By 
By Osasómé C.O
The nationwide suspension of SIM card-related services by telecom operators may be a strategic attempt to manage network congestion and prevent further deterioration in user experience, some industry analysts are claiming.
RELATED: Nigeria: SIM services disrupted as NIMC platform migration stalls telecom operations
Nigeria’s leading telecom operators have suspended SIM card-related services, including SIM swaps, replacements, new activations, and mobile number portability (MNP). They are citing technical difficulties due to the migration of real-time identity verification to the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) platform.
In a joint statement, Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), and Publicity Secretary Damian Udeh attributed the disruptions to “unforeseen technical challenges” stemming from the NIMC integration.
However, industry analysts believe the suspension may be more than just a technical hiccup. They think it could be a strategic response to worsening network congestion and infrastructure stress.
Quality of Telecom Services Continues to Decline
Across major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, subscribers have reported frequent call drops, poor data speeds, and unstable internet connections. The situation is even more troubling in rural areas where telecom coverage remains limited or non-existent.
Despite these challenges, mobile subscriber numbers are rising. According to Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) data, active subscriptions rose from 169.32 million in January 2025 to 172.95 million in March 2025, while teledensity climbed to 79.78% by April.
“The reality on the ground is far from ideal. The mobile experience in Nigeria today is defined more by frustration than satisfaction,” noted Lagos-based telecom analyst.
Economic Pressures and Infrastructure Challenges Crippling Telcos
Telecom operators are increasingly burdened by a mix of economic instability and regulatory roadblocks. All of these have stifled efforts to maintain and expand infrastructure. These include:
- Forex volatility, which drives up the cost of equipment and network upgrades
- High inflation, reducing consumer spending on voice and data services
- Subscription fatigue, as economic hardship pushes users to cut telecom costs
- Right-of-way (RoW) restrictions and fees, hindering infrastructure deployment
- Aging infrastructure and underinvestment, leaving base stations overstressed
“Investment into the sector in the last few years does not match subscriber growth and the turnaround needs of the infrastructure,” said telecom analyst Banjo Oludare.
Subscribers Frustrated by Poor Quality of Service (QoS)
Even in urban centers where service is expected to be stronger, network black spots, incomplete voice connections, and unreliable data have become the norm. Many users feel abandoned by providers who focus their investments on commercially viable areas, leaving vast populations underserved.
The general sentiment among subscribers is one of growing dissatisfaction and frustration, with no visible roadmap to improved service quality.
Urgent Need for Reform and Public-Private Collaboration
While ALTON and its members reaffirmed their commitment to regulatory compliance and infrastructure upgrades, they have also acknowledged the limits of what operators can achieve on their own.
Industry stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms, including:
- Increased public-private collaboration
- Regulatory incentives and relief
- Targeted investment in modern telecom infrastructure
- Policy alignment between NCC, NIMC, and state/local governments
Such reforms, analysts argue, are essential for reversing the decline in Nigeria’s telecom sector and for enabling operators to meet rising user demand without further degrading service quality.
