Reps urge NCC to extend SIM reallocation period to 18 Months

The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the validity period for reallocation of phone numbers to new subscribers to one year and six months, and to publish inactive SIM cards in national dailies to improve transparency and curb identity-related crimes. The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. […]

The House of Representatives on Tuesday urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the validity period for reallocation of phone numbers to new subscribers to one year and six months, and to publish inactive SIM cards in national dailies to improve transparency and curb identity-related crimes.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Billy Osawaru, who expressed concern over growing cases of fraud, identity theft and public embarrassment linked to recycled phone numbers previously used by other subscribers.
Lawmakers specifically called for a six-month public notification window, during which inactive SIM cards earmarked for reallocation would be published in national newspapers and copied to security agencies, including the police, to ensure accountability and allow for proper tracking in cases of criminal misuse.
The House noted that under the proposed framework, enhanced transparency would help reduce cases where innocent Nigerians are arrested or harassed over offences linked to phone numbers reassigned to them after dormancy.
It further mandated the Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage the NCC, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and other relevant agencies to strengthen safeguards around subscriber data and ensure compliance with the Data Protection Act, 2023.
In his lead debate, Osawaru drew attention to provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, which empowers the NCC to regulate the telecommunications sector, including SIM registration and reallocation policies.
He also referenced the NCC’s Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy (TIRMP), which allows telecom operators to deactivate and recycle inactive SIM cards after a period of 180 days to one year of dormancy.
However, lawmakers expressed worry that while the policy may serve operational efficiency and cost considerations for service providers, it could expose subscribers to serious risks if not properly regulated.

Concerns were raised that recycled numbers often remain linked to sensitive personal data such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identity Numbers (NIN), making users vulnerable to fraud and identity compromise.

The House therefore stressed the need for a balanced approach that protects both industry sustainability and citizens’ data rights, in line with the Data Protection Act, 2023, which establishes the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to regulate personal data processing in the country.

The matter was referred to the relevant committees for further legislative action.