Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) new policy allows reassignment of inactive phone lines to new subscribers

Thursday, June 5, 2025 - The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to implement an updated Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy (TIRMP) that will allow the reassignment of inactive phone lines to new subscribers after one year of dormancy.

According to Vanguard, The revised policy framework, which is expected to be launched by the fourth quarter of 2025, introduces a structured approach to managing churned and recycled phone numbers, including those previously flagged for fraudulent activity. It forms part of the NCC’s broader strategy to enhance telecom quality of service and user experience across the sector.

A source at the commission disclosed that the TIRMP platform will support cross-sector data sharing, enabling relevant stakeholders to track and manage inactive or misused numbers more effectively. This system will also help mitigate risks associated with the reassignment of phone numbers that remain linked to financial or digital services used by previous owners.

Under the new guidelines, a phone number is deemed inactive if it has not recorded any revenue-generating activity—such as voice calls, SMS, charged USSD sessions, or data usage, for 180 consecutive days. If the inactivity continues for another 180 days, bringing the total to 360 days, the number becomes eligible for reassignment, commonly referred to as “churning.”

“The QoS Regulation and Business Rules 2024 provides that after 365 days without any Revenue Generating Event, the line can be churned by the operator,” the source confirmed.

This means mobile network operators, who lease numbering resources from the NCC, are permitted to reassign the inactive numbers by returning them to the market.

The NCC stressed that telephone numbers are a finite resource governed under international standards by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) through Recommendation E.164. This global framework ensures that numbering remains efficient and accessible across national borders.

“Numbering resources are the backbone of modern telecommunications,” the source said. “They are inherently scarce because each number must conform to a fixed length and format, yielding only a limited set of valid combinations.”

According to the NCC, the new TIRMP platform will help reduce fraud risks by allowing service providers to identify and flag high-risk numbers. This is particularly important in a digital economy where phone numbers are often tied to banking, identification, and other sensitive services.

The commission is collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure the platform's success. A beta version of the system is already in testing, and the NCC will serve as the host and regulatory authority for its operations

By improving the integrity of mobile number management, the NCC hopes to strengthen user trust, enhance security, and support the growth of Nigeria’s digital and financial services sectors.