The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida has announced the introduction of the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) platform as part of efforts to strengthen digital security and curb telecom-related fraud in Nigeria.
The EVC represented by the Executive Commissioner of Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama at a stakeholders’ consultative forum in Abuja, emphasized the growing importance of mobile phone numbers, also known as Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers (MSISDNs), as critical identifiers for financial transactions, digital authentication, and access to essential services.
He noted that the misuse of recycled, churned, swapped, and barred SIM numbers has emerged as a major channel for fraud and identity theft, posing risks to public trust and the integrity of digital systems.
According to him the TIRMS platform is designed as a secure, cross-sectoral solution to address these challenges.
“It is in direct response to these challenges that the Commission has initiated the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) Platform. The TIRMS Platform is a secure, regulatory backed, cross-sectoral platform designed to provide a uniform approach for managing all risks relating to the integrity and utilization of registered MSISDN’s on the Nigerian Communications network.”
“Its objectives are to improve access to mobile number across key sectors to aid user accountability, reduce fraud risks by enabling service providers to verify mobile numbers flagged for dormancy, suspicious, criminal and fraudulent activities before granting access to services and to enhance digital security by ensuring service providers across all sectors can proactively verify and validate customer mobile number status.”
To support the initiative, the EVC proposed amendments to existing regulations, including the quality of service business rules and the registration of communications subscribers regulations.
Key provisions include mandatory notification to subscribers at least 14 days before a line is churned, submission of churned number data to the platform within seven days, and a framework for blocking fraudulently registered or misused numbers.
He added that the success of the TIRMS platform will depend on collaboration among telecom operators, financial institutions, security agencies, and other stakeholders.
“This Forum also signposts the Commission strategic Focus on collaboration across different sectors as well as its participatory approach to rule making. Hence, the discussions today and the eventual implementation of the TIRMS Platform will be geared towards collaboration with key stakeholders, relevant regulators and law enforcement outfits. This approach will ensure a One Government approach and create the much needed bridge across sectoral barriers and ecosystems.”
In her remarks, the Director of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance Olatokunbo Oyeleye, emphasized that digital trust is the “operating licence” of the modern economy. She noted that while a lack of trust stunts growth, its presence acts as a catalyst for economic acceleration.
“Our collective responsibility today is clear, to ensure that every mobile number in Nigeria can be trusted by users, by service providers, by regulators and by the entire digital ecosystem that depends on it. Thus we, with your experts, practical insights and continued collaboration, the TIRMS platform will help safeguard users, reduce fraud and reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.”
Oyeleye highlighted that TEMS will bridge information gaps between the telecom sector and vital institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and PENCOM.
The NCC’s vision is to ensure that every mobile number in Nigeria is a trusted asset for users, service providers, and the wider digital ecosystem.
By leveraging the TEMS platform, the Commission expects to see a marked reduction in fraud and a corresponding surge in consumer confidence
