By Jennete Ugo Anya
The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to significantly review the country’s SIM card recycling policy, proposing an extension of the waiting period for reallocating inactive phone numbers from 180 days to 18 months over growing concerns about identity theft, financial fraud and data security breaches.
The lawmakers said the current framework, which permits telecommunications operators to deactivate and reassign dormant SIM cards after six months and in some instances up to one year, exposes millions of subscribers to potential exploitation, particularly where old phone numbers remain linked to sensitive personal and financial records.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved during plenary recently by Billy Osawaru, a lawmaker representing Edo State.
The motion sparked debate around what lawmakers described as an urgent need to strengthen consumer protection in Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem as digital identity systems become increasingly integrated with banking, government services and security verification platforms.
At the centre of the concern is the widespread use of mobile numbers as primary authentication tools across essential services.
In Nigeria, phone numbers are often linked to bank verification numbers (BVN), national identity numbers (NIN), bank accounts, social media platforms and a range of digital financial applications.
Lawmakers warned that the premature recycling of such numbers could create loopholes for fraudsters and expose former subscribers to false accusations and reputational damage.
The House expressed concern that many innocent Nigerians have reportedly faced embarrassment, extortion and harassment after recycled numbers were allegedly used by new owners to commit crimes or engage in suspicious transactions.
According to lawmakers, the consequences extend beyond financial loss and can include wrongful implication in criminal investigations.
The House noted that while network operators defend SIM recycling as a practical necessity driven by operational efficiency and finite numbering resources, subscriber protection must remain the overriding priority.
Lawmakers argued that commercial considerations should not outweigh the need to safeguard personal data and preserve trust in Nigeria’s digital identity architecture.
The motion drew attention to the legal framework already in place for data protection.
Members cited the Data Protection Act 2023, which established the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to regulate the processing and protection of personal information.
They also referenced Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, which empowers the NCC to issue regulations governing the telecommunications sector.
The lawmakers observed that the NCC’s Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy currently permits network operators to deactivate and recycle inactive SIM cards after a defined dormancy period.
However, they argued that stronger safeguards are now necessary given the increasing sophistication of digital fraud and the expanding role of mobile numbers in identity verification.
As part of its resolutions, the House urged the NCC to extend the reallocation period for inactive SIM cards and phone numbers to 18 months.
The proposed extension, lawmakers said, would create a more reasonable buffer to allow users recover dormant numbers and ensure complete disassociation from critical services before reassignment.
In addition, the House proposed the introduction of a six-month public notification window before any inactive number is reallocated.
Under the recommendation, telecom operators would be required to publish lists of affected numbers in national newspapers and notify relevant security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force.
Lawmakers said the measure would improve transparency, give former subscribers an opportunity to reclaim numbers and support ongoing investigations where necessary.
The House also mandated its Committees on Communications and Commerce to begin consultations with the NCC, the NDPC and other relevant stakeholders.
The committees are expected to review the current policy framework and recommend stronger regulatory safeguards for mobile subscribers.
A report is expected within four weeks.
The development reflects growing legislative attention to the intersection of telecommunications regulation, digital security and consumer rights.
