The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ordered a 14-day mandatory notifications to consumers before mobile network operators deactivate inactive Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, to check vulnerabilities from prior owners’ possible fraudulent links, boost KYC, and enhance digital trust in the telecoms ecosystem This is part of the regulator’s ongoing reforms, designed to protect consumers from and enhance digital trust in the country’s digital ecosystem.
The regulatory instrument being introduced under the leadership of the executive vice chairman of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, was outlined in February 26, 2026, consultation paper titled ‘Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform.’ It noted that the initiative now amends Section 2.3.1 of the extant Quality-of-Service (QoS) Business Rules for MNOs.
Currently, Nigerian network operators deactivate lines inactive for six months (no Revenue Generating Event), and recycle them after another six, barring network faults without the knowledge of the initial SIM subscribers, thereby posing all manner of vulnerabilities to new consumers in regard to KYC issues, and digital trust in the country’s telecoms environment.
The NCC proposal also mandates alerts via alternative mobile line or e-mail at least 14 days before final churn for both prepaid and postpaid users, closing communication gaps between subscribers and network providers. Post-churn, operators are equally mandated to upload details to the new Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) within seven days.
Meanwhile, TIRMS is set for official launch by late March 2026, according to the Commission. The system creates a centralised database of churned, swapped, or barred MSISDNs, enabling crosssector verification for Financial Technology (FinTech) firms, banks, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and security agencies, to prevent fraud like identity theft from such recycled phone numbers.
This RegTech approach reportedly addresses identified vulnerabilities where new phone number subscribers inherit prior owners’ fraudulent links, boosting KYC and digital trust. Subscribers can also “park” unused lines for a year at a low cost. Stakeholders have 21 days from publication to submit comments by March 20, 2026, per Section 58 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA, 2003), before rules on this new-fangled regulatory initiative are finalised and ratified.
