Thursday June 5, 2025|
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a new policy that will allow telecom operators to reclaim phone numbers left dormant for up to one year.
Under the revised Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy (TIRMP), lines that remain inactive for 365 days—meaning no calls, texts, data usage, or any revenue-generating activity—can be deactivated and reassigned.
This move, the NCC says, aims to tackle fraud and enhance identity management in Nigeria’s growing digital economy. The policy also seeks to improve the user experience across the telecom ecosystem, covering everything from SIM registration to line deactivation.
How it’s works:
A line with zero usage for 180 days is marked inactive.
After another 180 days, it becomes eligible for recycling.
After 365 days, mobile network operators (MNOs) can reclaim and reassign the line.
Sources within the commission told Vanguard that the platform is part of a broader identity management framework.
It will also share data with banks, regulators, and security agencies to ensure numbers are not misused after reassignment.
The NCC emphasized that number availability is finite, and proper management is crucial.
Telecom numbers follow international standards set by the ITU’s Recommendation E.164, which ensures fair and efficient distribution across the globe.
Officials revealed the policy is in line with the NCC’s Strategic Vision Plan 2023–2025, and a full rollout is expected in Q4 2025.
A beta version of the system is already being tested in collaboration with the CBN, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders.
The platform will also flag numbers previously linked to fraud, reducing risk in sectors like banking and fintech, where SIM identity is key.
“It’s about consumer protection and smarter telecom regulation,” an NCC official said.
