NCC Unveils Telecoms Risk Platform to Combat SIM-Linked Fraud, Faces Industry Concerns
Nigeria’s telecoms regulator has introduced a new framework aimed at curbing rising cases of fraud tied to mobile number misuse, as part of broader efforts to strengthen trust in the country’s digital ecosystem.
The Nigerian Communications Commission announced the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), a cross-sector platform designed to monitor and flag risks associated with mobile numbers, particularly those that are recycled, swapped, or linked to suspicious activity.
Speaking at a stakeholder forum in Abuja, Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida said the initiative reflects the growing role of mobile numbers—technically known as MSISDNs—as critical identifiers for banking, digital authentication, and access to essential services.
He warned that vulnerabilities surrounding SIM card reassignment and fraudulent usage have increasingly become a major gateway for financial crimes and identity theft.
Under the proposed system, telecom operators, banks, and other service providers will be able to verify whether a number has been flagged before granting access to sensitive services. The platform is also expected to improve coordination among regulators, security agencies, and private sector players.
As part of the reforms, the commission is proposing new rules requiring telecom operators to notify subscribers at least 14 days before deactivating inactive lines, while also mandating the submission of churned numbers to the platform within seven days. Additional measures include stricter controls for blocking fraudulently registered SIM cards.
However, industry stakeholders have raised concerns about the practicality and effectiveness of the initiative. MTN Nigeria Communications Plc cautioned that the platform could duplicate existing systems already developed in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, noting that low adoption by financial institutions has limited their impact.
The company stressed that without mandatory participation across the financial sector, the new platform may struggle to achieve its intended goals. It also called for the establishment of a multi-stakeholder technical working group to address integration, operational, and cost challenges.
Concerns were also raised about the feasibility of the proposed 14-day notification requirement. Industry representatives noted that reliance on alternative channels such as email may be ineffective due to incomplete or outdated customer data, suggesting that primary mobile numbers should remain the main communication channel.
On consumer protection, stakeholders highlighted gaps in existing rules governing the recovery of unused airtime after SIM deactivation, calling for clearer guidelines to ensure subscribers can reclaim balances within a defined period.
The NCC said it has taken note of the feedback and will incorporate stakeholder input into the final framework. The rollout of TIRMS is seen as a significant step toward tightening digital security, though its success may ultimately depend on enforcement, collaboration, and widespread adoption across sectors.