NCC Proposes 14-Day Notice Before Inactive SIM Deactivation

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed that telecommunications operators must notify subscribers at least 14 days in advance before deactivating dormant SIM cards. This is in a strategic shift aimed at improving consumer protection and addressing identity fraud.

This measure is part of a larger set of regulatory reforms tied to the rollout of the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), according to the industry regulator.

This is according to a consultation paper titled “Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform.” It was published on February 26, 2026. The NCC proposed a change to the Quality-of-Service (QoS) Business Rules to ensure that both prepaid and postpaid subscribers are not abruptly disconnected without adequate warning.

Currently, telecom companies can deactivate a mobile line if it has not recorded a revenue-generating event in six months. They can recycle the number after another six months of inactivity, unless there are documented network faults.

The NCC proposal would require operators to send notifications at least 14 days before the final churn date. They must deliver these notifications via an alternative mobile number or email address on file.

“The notification shall be sent at least 14 days before the final date for the churn of the number,” the consultation document states. It highlights that this protection also applies to prepaid subscribers.

Protecting Subscribers and Data Integrity

The advance notification proposal indicates increased regulatory focus on the weaknesses in Nigeria’s digital identity systems. Once implemented, operators will also have to upload details of churned numbers into the new TIRMS. This is within seven days after the churn process concludes.

The NCC says TIRMS will create a central database of churned, swapped, or barred MSISDNs (mobile numbers). This is to facilitate verification across various sectors. The sectors include fintech firms, banks, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and security agencies.

Supporters believe this is crucial for reducing fraud that happens when recycled numbers are mistakenly associated with a new subscriber’s identity.

The regulator claims that this data integration could significantly enhance Know-Your-Customer (KYC) practices. It will also increase overall digital trust, which are key priority for Nigeria’s rapidly growing fintech sector.

Consultation and Next Steps

The NCC has opened the draft rule for public input. Stakeholders have 21 days from the publication date to provide their feedback. This is allowed under Section 58 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, before finalizing the rules.

Industry sources suggest that telecom operators and consumer advocacy groups will likely participate in the consultation. This is given the potential effects on subscriber experiences and operational procedures.

Industry Response and Broader Context

Although the commission’s proposal is new, Nigeria’s telecom sector has faced scrutiny regarding SIM registration and deactivation policies in the past. Previous enforcement actions related to SIM compliance highlight the NCC’s long-standing focus on security-related number management.

For now, subscribers should ensure their contact information is current with their network providers. These include their secondary numbers and email addresses, to fully benefit from the proposed notification system once implemented.