NCC Proposes 14-Day Notice Before Deactivating Dormant SIM Cards

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed a new rule requiring telecom operators to issue a minimum 14-day notice before deactivating SIM cards due to inactivity or postpaid churn. The proposal forms part of wider regulatory reforms linked to the rollout of the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS).

The proposal was outlined in a consultation paper titled Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform, dated February 2026. According to the document, operators must notify affected subscribers before final deactivation of their lines.

Under the proposed amendment to the Quality of Service (QoS) Business Rules, the Commission stated that prior to churning a postpaid line, the operator must send a notification through an alternative phone number or email address, informing the subscriber of the pending churn. The notice must be issued at least 14 days before the final deactivation date.

A similar requirement would apply to prepaid subscribers. Operators would also be required to notify prepaid users through alternative contact channels at least 14 days before the number is churned.

Currently, Section 2.3.1 of the QoS Business Rules allows operators to deactivate a line if it has not generated revenue for six months. If inactivity continues for another six months, the subscriber may permanently lose the number, except in cases involving network-related issues.

While the proposed amendment does not change the six-month inactivity threshold, it introduces mandatory advance notification to strengthen consumer protection safeguards.

Stronger Reporting Rules Under New Risk Platform

Beyond notification requirements, the NCC is also seeking to tighten reporting obligations for telecom operators. A proposed amendment to Section 2.3.2 mandates that operators submit details of all churned numbers to TIRMS within seven days of completing the churn process.

The Commission described TIRMS as a secure, regulatory-backed platform designed to prevent fraud linked to churned, swapped, barred, or recycled Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers (MSISDNs). The system aims to establish a uniform and cross-sector framework for verifying the status and integrity of mobile numbers across Nigeria’s communications network.

The platform is expected to support other regulators, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, in addressing identity-related fraud risks associated with dormant or recycled SIM cards.

The consultation process, initiated in line with Section 58 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, will remain open for 21 days from the publication date. Stakeholders are required to submit comments on or before March 20, 2026.

The document, dated February 26, 2026, was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida.

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If adopted, the proposed changes would formalize advance notification procedures and enhance cross-sector data sharing to reduce fraud risks associated with SIM deactivation and number recycling.