The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed that telcos must give subscribers at least 14 days’ notice before deactivating SIM cards due to inactivity or post-paid churn. The proposal is part of a consultation on the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) aimed at preventing fraud linked to recycled or barred numbers.
Under the suggested amendments to the Quality-of-Service (QoS) Business Rules, operators must notify affected subscribers via an alternative line or email at least 14 days before the final churn date, for both post-paid and prepaid lines. This replaces the current six-month inactivity rule with a more transparent process.
The NCC also proposed that all churned numbers be reported to TIRMS within seven days of deactivation. The system is designed to maintain the integrity of mobile numbers and strengthen regulatory oversight across the telecommunications sector.
Stakeholders have 21 days to submit feedback on the consultation, ending March 20, 2026. The review aligns with Section 58 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and aims to enhance customer protection and prevent mobile number-related fraud in Nigeria.
