The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to enforce new regulations that will deactivate and reassign dormant SIM cards after 12 months of inactivity, according to a report by Vanguard.
The move is part of the upcoming Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy (TIRMP), which aims to address risks associated with inactive or recycled mobile numbers. The revised framework is expected to launch by the fourth quarter of 2025.
What the New Policy Entails
Under the policy:
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A phone line will be deemed inactive after 180 consecutive days (about 6 months) without any revenue-generating activity, including voice calls, SMS, data usage, or charged USSD sessions.
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If the inactivity continues for another 180 days, totaling 365 days, the line becomes eligible for “churning”—meaning it can be reassigned to a new subscriber.
“The QoS Regulation and Business Rules 2024 provides that after 365 days without any Revenue Generating Event, the line can be churned by the operator,” an NCC source confirmed.
The policy also introduces a centralized platform (TIRMP) for telecom operators and stakeholders to manage churned or recycled numbers, particularly those previously linked to fraud or identity theft.
Why It Matters
The NCC says the updated policy will:
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Help prevent fraud involving recycled numbers still tied to bank accounts, digital services, or identity platforms.
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Ensure better telecom service quality and reduce the risk of misuse of dormant lines.
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Improve cross-sector collaboration between telecom operators, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and security agencies.
A Finite Resource
The NCC emphasized that mobile numbers are finite and regulated globally under ITU Recommendation E.164, which limits the possible combinations available for assignment.
“Numbering resources are the backbone of modern telecommunications,” the source said. “They are inherently scarce.”
Beta Testing and Timeline
A beta version of the TIRMP system is currently being tested, with full rollout anticipated by the end of 2025. The NCC will serve as both host and regulator of the platform.
