Nigeria: NCC Proposes 14-Day Notice Before SIM Deactivation to Strengthen Fraud Controls

In a move aimed at tightening consumer protection and reinforcing Nigeria’s digital identity framework, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed a mandatory 14-day notification period before telecom operators can deactivate inactive SIM cards.

The proposal is contained in a consultation paper titled “Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform” and signals a significant update to existing Quality-of-Service (QoS) Business Rules.

Under the leadership of Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida, the Commission is seeking to close longstanding communication gaps between operators and subscribers — ensuring that users are not disconnected without adequate notice.

What Changes Under the Proposed Rule?

Under current QoS provisions, operators may deactivate a SIM card if it does not generate revenue for six months. If inactivity continues for another six months, the number may be recycled and reassigned.

The NCC’s amendment introduces three key safeguards:

1. Mandatory Advance Notification

Telecom operators must notify subscribers at least 14 days before deactivation.

2. Alternative Contact Channels

Notifications must be sent via an alternative mobile number or registered email address, ensuring the subscriber actually receives the alert.

3. Central Reporting of Churned Numbers

Operators must submit details of deactivated or recycled numbers to a new centralized system within seven days of churn.

This shift adds transparency and accountability to a process that has historically left some subscribers unaware their numbers were at risk.

The Bigger Play: Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS)

At the centre of the proposal is the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) — a secure regulatory platform designed to address fraud risks linked to recycled, swapped, or barred MSISDNs (mobile numbers).

Recycled numbers have long posed a systemic risk in Nigeria’s digital economy. When reassigned, these numbers can remain linked to bank accounts, fintech wallets, and digital platforms — creating opportunities for identity theft and unauthorized access.

By creating a centralized database of churned numbers:

• Banks and fintechs can verify whether a number has been recycled

• Digital platforms can strengthen KYC validation processes

• The risk of “ghost identities” tied to dormant SIMs can be reduced

The proposal reflects a broader global shift toward integrating Regulatory Technology (RegTech) into telecom oversight — moving from reactive enforcement to proactive risk management.

Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Digital Economy

For subscribers, the 14-day notice creates a safety buffer against sudden disconnection and potential financial exposure.

For financial institutions and digital service providers, TIRMS could reduce one of the biggest vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s identity ecosystem: the silent reassignment of phone numbers tied to sensitive accounts.

For regulators, it strengthens cross-sector identity governance at a time when mobile numbers increasingly function as primary digital identifiers.

What Happens Next?

In line with Section 58 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the NCC has opened the proposal for stakeholder consultation. Industry players and members of the public have until March 20, 2026, to submit feedback before the framework is finalized.

If adopted, the rule would represent a significant step toward cleaner telecom identity management, stronger fraud mitigation, and deeper trust in Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.