NCC issues 2-week SIM deactivation notice to prevent fraud, protect telecoms consumers

*The Nigerian Communications Commission proposes 14-day mandatory notifications to consumers before Mobile Network Operators deactivate, or churn inactive Subscriber Identity Module cards, to address vulnerabilities from prior owners’ possible fraudulent links, boost KYC, and enhance digital trust in the telecoms ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of its ongoing regulatory reforms, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed 14-day mandatory notifications to telecoms consumers before Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) deactivate or churn inactive Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC’s strategic move is designed to address extant vulnerabilities arising from prior SIM owners’ fraudulent links, boost Know Your Customer (KYC) principle, enhance digital trust in the country’s entire digital ecosystem.

The Commission also noted the timely measure aims to strengthen consumer protection and combat reported digital identity fraud in the telecoms space.

The regulatory instrument being introduced under the leadership of Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, was outlined in February 26, 2026, consultation paper titled: “Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform”.

Provision in extant Quality of Service Business Rules

It is 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 cross-sector 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.