The Nigerian Communications Commission is set to introduce a cross-industry platform designed to monitor recycled phone numbers and curb fraud associated with SIM reassignment.
Details of the initiative were contained in a document obtained on Friday. The system, named the Telecom Identity Risk Management System, is expected to go live before the end of March.
According to information available, the platform is the regulator’s response to challenges arising from SIM recycling — including cases where new subscribers receive messages meant for previous users or face scrutiny over alleged infractions tied to former owners of their numbers.
“It has been in the works for over a year now,” a source disclosed.
The document noted that such occurrences pose significant concerns regarding security and the integrity of mobile number ownership, particularly as the NCC’s churn policy increasingly intersects with other sectors of the economy.
Under the arrangement, the portal will gather and disseminate information on churned (recycled) numbers, as well as lines reported for fraudulent activities across industries.
“The NCC has addressed this challenge by developing a cross-sector platform called the Telecom Identity Risk Management System Portal that collects and shares data on churned (recycled) phone numbers as well as numbers that have been flagged as having been used for fraudulent activities, as reported by other sector regulators,” the document reads.
“The goal is to prevent the misuse of numbers when they change hands. The information on this platform will be made available to relevant stakeholders across various sectors.
“It is worth noting that this requires significant dialogue as KYC needs of different sectors vary and need to interact properly.”
The commission indicated that the platform, developed and tested alongside telecom operators, will be hosted by the NCC but accessible to major institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission, pension supervisory bodies, the National Identity Management Commission, and security agencies.
A memorandum of understanding with the CBN is reportedly being finalised to ensure seamless implementation once the system becomes operational. Development of TIRMS began in March 2024, and the rollout will follow the completion of stakeholder consultations.
The NCC has also commenced amendments to the Quality of Service Regulations 2024 and the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulations 2022 to support the new framework.
“A consultation on the proposed amendments to the Business Rules of the Quality of Service Regulations 2024 and the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulations 2022 is currently underway and is expected to be concluded before the end of March 2026,” the document said.
“Upon completion of the review, the revised rules will provide for the notification of line owners whose numbers are about to be churned, using alternative contact channels within a specified timeframe prior to the disconnection.”
“The amendments will also establish the regulatory framework for warehousing churned numbers within TIRMS, enable controlled access for relevant sectors, and create clear procedures for blocking numbers that have been implicated in fraudulent activities.”
In addition, the regulator stated that subscribers who want to keep inactive numbers can take advantage of the “line parking” provision under the QoS business rules. This allows users to retain a line for up to one year at a minimal cost, preventing it from being classified as dormant and subsequently recycled
