Nigeria to Mandate 14-Day Notice Before SIM Churning Under New Rules

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)  has commenced a stakeholders’ consultation process on the proposed Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), a cross-sector platform aimed at combating fraud linked to mobile numbers in Nigeria. The consultation, dated February 26, 2026, was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, and forms part of the Commission’s rule-making obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.

The consultation seeks to activate amendments to the Business Rules of the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations 2024 and the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulations 2022. According to the Commission, feedback from stakeholders will guide the review process in line with its participatory regulatory approach.

At the heart of the proposal is the deployment of TIRMS — a secure, regulatory-backed platform designed to prevent fraud arising from churned, swapped, barred, or recycled Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers (MSISDNs), commonly known as SIM or mobile phone numbers in Nigeria. The platform is intended to co-locate anti-fraud measures across sectors, ensuring a uniform approach to the integrity and utilization of registered mobile numbers on Nigeria’s communications network.

The NCC explained that TIRMS will operate as a multi-regulatory initiative and will support security agencies as well as key regulators including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Pension Commission (PENCOM), National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The system is expected to strengthen identity risk management across telecoms services and other critical sectors.

The primary objectives of TIRMS include improving access to mobile number services to enhance user accountability, reducing fraud risks by enabling service providers to verify recycled or suspicious numbers before granting access to services, and enhancing digital security by allowing proactive verification of customers’ mobile number status. The NCC disclosed that it is working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria to develop a comprehensive framework covering payment system strengthening, e-fraud prevention, cross-sector implementation of TIRMS, and broader collaborative governance mechanisms.

The first phase of TIRMS implementation will focus on churned (inactive due to dormancy), recycled (reassigned), and swapped numbers. During this phase, the Commission will develop, test, and launch the platform with limited scope access for key regulators and their licensees. Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) will be required to provide real-time or timely data baselines on recycled and churned numbers, while sector regulators will integrate their fraud prevention processes with the system.

In addition to launching TIRMS, the NCC is proposing specific amendments to existing regulations. Under the Quality of Service Business Rules, operators will be required to notify subscribers at least 14 days before churning either post-paid or pre-paid lines. Notifications must be sent via an alternative line or email. Furthermore, operators must submit details of all churned numbers to TIRMS within seven days of completing the churn process.

The Commission is also proposing updates to the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulations. Provisions relating to SIM blocking due to fraudulent registration — including the use of fraudulent National Identification Numbers (NINs) — will be consolidated into a new regulatory section outlining clear procedures for blocking or limiting access to MSISDNs suspected of fraudulent activity.

The consultation process will remain open for 21 days from publication on the Commission’s website and is open to telecom licensees, consumers, government agencies, international organizations, and civil society groups. Stakeholders are required to submit feedback via email on or before March 20, 2026.

In concluding, the NCC stated that the consultation layer is intended to deepen engagement, build cross-sector consensus, and improve the effectiveness of the rule-making process. The Commission expressed optimism that the TIRMS framework will significantly strengthen fraud prevention mechanisms and enhance trust in Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.