The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is preparing to roll out an updated version of its Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy (TIRMP), which will allow mobile operators to reassign inactive phone lines after a 12-month period of non-use. This policy aims to streamline the management of telecom identity risks and improve data integrity across the sector.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
The TIRMP is designed to create a cross-sector platform that tracks and shares data on recycled or churned phone numbers, as well as numbers linked to fraudulent activities. The initiative is part of the NCC’s broader strategic vision to enhance the overall quality of service (QoS) and customer experience in Nigeria’s telecom ecosystem.
A highly placed source at the Commission disclosed to Vanguard that the revised framework is expected to launch officially by the fourth quarter of 2025. The source also revealed that the policy aligns with the NCC’s goal of addressing consumer experience at every stage of telecom service—from onboarding, such as SIM registration, to offboarding, when users exit a network.
Under the new guidelines, a mobile number is considered inactive if it does not engage in any revenue-generating activity—including calls, SMS, charged USSD sessions, or data usage—for a continuous period of 180 days. If this inactivity persists for another 180 days, bringing the total to 360 days, the number becomes eligible for churning and may be reassigned by the operator.
“The QoS Regulation and Business Rules 2024 provides that after 365 days without any revenue-generating event, a line can be recycled,” the source said.
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) who lease these numbering resources from the NCC are therefore free to return such lines to the market after the stipulated period of dormancy.
The NCC emphasizes that telephone numbers are finite and fall under the global regulation of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), which sets standards for the efficient and fair distribution of numbering resources via its E.164 Recommendation.
“The scarcity of numbering resources arises because each must conform to a fixed length and structure, which limits the pool of available combinations,” the source noted.
On its website, the NCC underscores its role in managing Nigeria’s numbering resources as mandated by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003. It allocates these numbers to licensed operators to promote competition, consumer protection, innovation, and adherence to global best practices.
However, the Commission acknowledges the complications that may arise from line recycling. “The reassignment of previously used numbers can lead to security and data integrity issues, especially when old owners still have the number linked to various services,” the NCC stated.
To mitigate these risks, the updated TIRMP will empower service providers to flag and manage high-risk numbers. The platform will enhance the security of digital and financial transactions by allowing institutions to verify and update customer information proactively.
“The NCC will host the platform and set the regulatory framework. We are working with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), security agencies, and other stakeholders to fine-tune the solution. A beta version is already undergoing testing,” the Commission’s insider added.
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
The book, titled The Law of Torts in Nigeria: A Functional Approach, authored by Professor Hagler Sunny Okorie Ph.D and Ikeocha, Nathaniel Ngozi Esq, offers law students, practitioners, and academics a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying tort law in Nigerian courts. Interested buyers can place orders via the following contact numbers: 08028636615, 08037667945, 08032253813, or +234 902 196 2209.
_______________________________________________________________________
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
Bonus:
Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.
How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626
________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola
_______________________________________________________________________
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
