NCC to reassign inactive phone numbers after one year in bold telecom identity overhaul

DDM News

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is introducing a groundbreaking policy on telecom identity risk management.

This move aims to tackle the rising risks associated with recycled mobile numbers in Nigeria’s fast-evolving telecom sector, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathers.

Under the revised policy, inactive phone numbers will be reassigned to new users after a full year of non-use.

A number is classified as inactive if it shows no calls, SMS, data usage, or paid USSD activity for 180 days.

If this inactivity continues for another 180 days, the number will be considered for reassignment by network operators.

The initiative is part of a broader update to the Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy (TIRMP).

The policy is designed to improve digital identity systems and curb security threats tied to reassigned phone numbers.

It also aims to protect consumers and promote responsible data management among service providers and stakeholders.

A central feature of the revised policy is a new cross-sector data-sharing platform for tracking recycled numbers.

This platform will monitor deactivated numbers, detect fraud risks, and help stakeholders verify the status of reused lines.

It will be accessible to telecoms, financial institutions, security agencies, and other key regulatory bodies in Nigeria.

The NCC says the system is currently in beta testing with the Central Bank of Nigeria and security agencies.

Its full launch is expected in the fourth quarter of the year, pending final evaluations and stakeholder alignment.

According to a source within the NCC, the aim is to reduce identity misuse when numbers change ownership.

The system will also ensure service providers update customer records accurately to prevent fraud and digital breaches.

The reassignment of inactive numbers aligns with the NCC’s 2024 Quality-of-Service Regulation and Business Rules.

These rules allow mobile network operators to recycle numbers after 365 days of inactivity, ensuring efficient number use.

The policy follows the ITU’s Recommendation E.164, which encourages fair global distribution of numbering resources.

The NCC allocates phone numbers to licensed operators, ensuring fair competition and compliance with global best practices.

However, experts warn that recycled numbers may still link to previous users’ financial or social media accounts.

Such situations can result in fraud, unauthorized access, and severe breaches of digital privacy.

The new system will flag such high-risk numbers and prompt necessary checks before reassignment takes place.

The Commission stresses that numbers are finite resources and must be managed efficiently and securely.

This policy, according to officials, is a vital step toward protecting Nigerians in the digital ecosystem.

It also supports the NCC’s Strategic Vision Plan focused on customer experience and telecom service improvement.

Service providers are expected to align operations with the updated framework and maintain accurate user identity records.

The revised TIRMP will enhance accountability, consumer protection, and secure data practices across telecom and related sectors.

As Nigeria’s telecom space grows, this policy ensures a safer, more transparent digital communication environment.

The NCC believes this bold step will boost public trust and enhance regulatory confidence across all sectors.

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