By Chiagoziem Abosi
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
In a move aimed at protecting mobile phone subscribers nationwide, The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed a regulation requiring telecom operators to give at least 14 days’ notice before deactivating any subscriber’s SIM card due to inactivity or churn.
The policy proposal is part of the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) framework, a broader effort to combat fraud linked to recycled or dormant mobile numbers in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
What the Proposal Says
The NCC’s proposal is contained in a consultation paper, Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform dated February 26, 2026 and published on the regulator’s website. It was signed by the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Aminu Maida.
Under the proposed rule:
- Telecom operators must notify subscribers at least 14 days before deactivating their SIM cards.
- Notifications must be sent through an alternative phone number or email if available.
- The rule would apply to both prepaid and post-paid customers before their lines are “churned” or deactivated.
This is meant to give subscribers a fair warning to take corrective steps such as reactivating usage or updating records before losing access to their mobile line.
What “Deactivation” Means
Currently, under the Quality-of-Service (QoS) Business Rules, a SIM may be deactivated if it has not had any “revenue-generating event” (such as calls, SMS or data use) for six months. If inactivity continues for another six months, the number may be withdrawn permanently, except in cases of genuine network issues.
The new notice proposal doesn’t change those timeframes. Rather, it adds a transparency step before the final action is taken.
Why the Notice Rule Matters
Losing access to your SIM card can be more than just an inconvenience. Today, your phone number is tied to:
- Bank accounts and mobile money apps
- Email and social media accounts
- Two-factor authentication systems on various services
Being locked out unexpectedly because your SIM was deactivated can disrupt your work, finances, and daily communication.
With a 14-day advance notice, subscribers get time to reactivate the line, update their accounts, or fix any issues related to inactivity, ensuring critical services tied to that number aren’t suddenly lost.
Is This a Final Rule or Just a Proposal?
As of March 2026, this requirement is still a proposal released for consultation. The consultation period opened with the publication of the document on February 26, 2026, and comments from stakeholders are expected within 21 days of that date.
Until the NCC formally adopts and publishes the amendment to its business rules, the 14-day notice obligation remains a proposed guideline, one many consumer advocates welcome.
What This Means for Lagos and Ikeja Subscribers
If the proposal becomes final, every telecommunications company operating in Lagos, including MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9mobile will be required to:
- Send an alert at least 14 days before deactivation due to inactivity or churn
- Send the notice via a secondary contact if available
- Give customers time to save important accounts linked to that SIM before loss of service
For residents of Ikeja, Surulere, Ajah and all corners of Lagos, this could mean fewer surprises when it comes to SIM deactivation especially for people who use data-light routines or rely on their phones for work and business continuity.
Telecom users have long complained about sudden SIM deactivations, especially after long periods of low activity or when a line hasn’t been used for months. A 14-day notice window could help bridge the gap between regulatory compliance and genuine consumer need.
As this consultation progresses, subscribers and stakeholders alike will be watching closely to see how quickly the rule is adopted and implemented across all network providers.
