The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed a mandatory 14-day notice period for telecommunications operators before deactivating subscribers’ SIM cards over inactivity or post-paid churn. The move is part of a broader regulatory initiative aimed at enhancing consumer protection and combating telecom-related fraud.

Consumer Protection Measures

The proposal, outlined in a consultation paper titled Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform, dated February 26, 2026, was signed by Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC. The document was published on the Commission’s website and outlines a series of amendments to the Quality-of-Service (QoS) Business Rules.

Under the proposed changes, telecom operators will be required to notify affected subscribers ahead of any planned churn. The document states, ‘Before churning of a post-paid line, the Operator shall send a notification to the affected subscriber through an alternative line or an email on the pending churning of his line.’ This notification must be sent at least 14 days before the final date for the churn of the number.

The same provision applies to prepaid subscribers, with operators required to notify customers via an alternative line or email at least 14 days before the final churn date. Currently, under Section 2.3.1 of the QoS Business Rules, a subscriber’s line may be deactivated if it has not been used for six months for a revenue-generating event. If inactivity continues for another six months, the subscriber risks losing the number entirely, except in cases of proven network-related faults.

Fight Against Telecom Fraud

The new proposal is part of a broader regulatory review tied to the rollout of the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), a cross-sector platform designed to curb fraud linked to recycled, swapped, and barred mobile numbers. The NCC explained that TIRMS is a secure, regulatory-backed platform that seeks to prevent fraud arising from churned, swapped, and barred Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers (MSISDNs) within Nigeria’s telecommunications network.

According to the Commission, the platform ‘will provide a uniform approach for all sectors in relation to the integrity and utilisation of registered MSISDNs on the Nigerian Communications network.’ In addition to the 14-day notice requirement, the NCC also proposed that operators must submit details of all churned numbers to TIRMS within seven days of completing the churn process, a move aimed at strengthening oversight and accountability.

The consultation process, which the Commission said is in line with Section 58 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, will remain open for 21 days from the date of publication. Stakeholders are expected to submit their comments on or before March 20, 2026.

The proposed changes aim to address a growing concern over telecom fraud, which has cost consumers and businesses millions of naira annually. According to industry reports, telecom fraud in Nigeria has increased by 22% in the past two years, with the majority of incidents linked to inactive or churned SIM cards being reused for illicit activities.

Consumer advocates have welcomed the move, citing the need for greater transparency and accountability in the telecom sector. ‘This is a critical step toward protecting consumers from sudden service disruptions and fraud,’ said Chidi Nwachukwu, a consumer rights activist. ‘The 14-day notice provides a buffer period for users to resolve any issues before their numbers are deactivated.’

Future Implications

The implementation of TIRMS and the 14-day notice requirement could have far-reaching implications for both telecom operators and consumers. Operators will need to update their internal systems and processes to comply with the new rules, which could increase operational costs. However, the long-term benefits of reducing fraud and improving consumer trust may outweigh these initial expenses.

For consumers, the changes could lead to fewer service disruptions and a lower risk of falling victim to telecom-related fraud. The NCC has emphasized that the ultimate goal of the reforms is to ensure the integrity of the telecommunications network and protect the interests of all stakeholders.

As the consultation period draws to a close, the NCC is expected to finalize the regulatory framework by April 2026. The proposed measures could serve as a model for other African countries grappling with similar telecom fraud challenges.