Fg To Deactivate Long-unused Phone Lines Under New Ncc Rules
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revised its Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy (TIRMP), introducing new guidelines that could see inactive phone lines reassigned after one year of dormancy.
The updated policy is designed to strengthen identity and fraud management across telecom services. Under the new framework, a mobile line that shows no revenue-generating activity—such as calls, SMS, data usage, or charged USSD sessions—for 180 days will be classified as inactive. If this inactivity persists for another 180 days, the number becomes eligible for deactivation and recycling.
According to an authoritative source within the NCC, the updated policy is expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025. The source explained that the changes align with the Commission’s broader strategic vision, which focuses on enhancing both the quality of service and user experience across the telecom sector—from onboarding (like SIM registration) to offboarding (when users leave a network).
The new rules fall under the QoS Regulation and Business Rules 2024, which allow Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to reclaim and reassign dormant numbers after 365 days of inactivity. These operators lease phone numbers from the NCC, which manages Nigeria’s numbering resources in line with international standards, particularly ITU Recommendation E.164.
“Numbering resources, including phone numbers and short codes, are essential to telecom operations but are finite. Their management must ensure fairness, security, and accessibility,” the NCC stated.
The revised TIRMP introduces a platform to track and share data on deactivated or recycled numbers and numbers flagged for fraudulent use. This system, currently being piloted, is developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), security agencies, and other stakeholders.
The platform aims to reduce fraud risks, especially when recycled numbers are still tied to financial or digital services from previous owners. By giving service providers access to real-time updates, it will support better verification processes and help protect consumers from identity-related risks.
Ultimately, the NCC believes the new policy will help improve trust in digital and financial platforms while ensuring efficient use of Nigeria’s limited telecom resources.