Nigerians have expressed dissatisfaction over the inability to recover lost SIM cards or register new ones, as network providers continue to blame network glitches from the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Tribune Online gathered that the commission must approve subscribers’ National Identification Number (NIN) before a new SIM registration or SIM swap can be successful.

The message, “NIMC information temporarily unavailable for subscribers,” was displayed on the kits being used for registration by these network providers.

Speaking with a subscriber, Tolu Adekunle said the issue had persisted since last week, adding that he has been unable to access his bank accounts to feed himself and his family because his phone was stolen.

Tolu condemned and criticised the current Director-General of the commission for not being alive to her responsibilities.

“I have been coming to this place since last week, and the same thing is repeatedly said that the NIN network is down. My phone was stolen and since then I have not been able to retrieve my SIM. This is extremely bad.

“My bank accounts have been blocked as a result, but I need my SIM to be able to operate them. I cannot feed myself and my family because I need my SIM to receive OTPs,” he said.

Another subscriber, Jumoke Adeleke, said she had never experienced such a harrowing issue in her life, adding that she has remained incommunicado since her phone was stolen last week.

“It is high time the DG is called to order. If she cannot work, let her go home and rest. What exactly is the problem? I have not been able to retrieve my SIM for the past one week because of network issues from NIMC,” she said.

A subscriber in the La”os Island area, Tochukwu Chigozie, expressed surprise that the DG, who reportedly has over 18 years of experience in IT, has been unable to resolve the issue.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that a competent person is appointed to head the commission.

“The DG claimed to have over 18 years’ experience in IT but has not been able to fix a problem within her jurisdiction. This is strangulating, I must confess.

“The President should remove her and appoint a capable hand. At the moment, my life is stagnant because I cannot retrieve my line due to network issues from NIMC,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tribune Online reached out to several contact numbers: 08157691214, 07002255646, 08157691071 and others listed on the commission’s website, including the customer care email, but none was reachable at the time of filing this report. (Nigerian Tribune)

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