Nigeria to Launch Telecoms Identity Risk Management System to Combat Fraud
Nigeria is set to implement a new platform designed to significantly enhance security within its digital economy and tackle the growing problem of SIM card-related fraud. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced its intention to introduce a Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) platform, aiming to bolster digital security and foster greater confidence among users and businesses operating in the nation’s digital landscape.
The initiative was detailed by the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, during a recent stakeholders’ consultative forum held in Abuja. Represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, Maida highlighted the pivotal role of Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers (MISISDNs), commonly known as SIM cards or mobile phone numbers, in modern society. These numbers are now integral to a wide array of essential functions, including financial transactions, digital identity verification, and access to vital services.
However, this widespread reliance has also inadvertently created significant vulnerabilities. Maida pointed out that fraudulent activities stemming from the misuse of recycled, swapped, churned, and barred SIM cards have become a primary conduit for identity theft and financial crimes. This trend, he warned, is actively undermining trust in digital platforms and the integrity of the digital ecosystem that Nigeria has worked diligently to build.
“The Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number, commonly known as the SIM or mobile phone number, has evolved into a critical identifier underpinning financial transactions, digital authentication, and access to essential services across all sectors of our economy,” Maida stated. “This evolution, however, has created new and challenging vulnerabilities. The fraudulent use of churned, recycled, swapped, and barred MISISDN’s has become a significant vector for financial fraud and identity theft, eroding public trust in our digital platforms and undermining the identity of systems we have worked hard to build.”
The TIRMS platform is being introduced as a direct response to these pressing challenges. The system is designed to empower service providers by enabling them to verify mobile numbers that have been flagged for suspicious or fraudulent activities before granting them access. This proactive measure is expected to substantially reduce exposure to fraud and enhance overall accountability within the telecommunications sector.
Furthermore, the TIRMS platform is envisioned to foster greater collaboration and coordination among key stakeholders, including regulators, financial institutions, and security agencies. This strengthened synergy is crucial for building a more resilient and secure digital ecosystem for Nigeria.
To facilitate the successful rollout and operation of the TIRMS platform, the NCC has also proposed significant amendments to its existing regulatory frameworks. These include proposed changes to the Quality of Service Business Rules and the Registration of Communications Subscribers framework.
Key proposed regulatory changes include:
- Subscriber Notification for Line Recycling: Telecom operators will be required to notify subscribers at least 14 days in advance before their lines are recycled. This notification must be sent via an alternative line or email.
- Timely Upload of Churned Number Details: Operators will need to upload the details of churned numbers to the TIRMS platform within seven days of the churn.
- Stricter Provisions for SIM Blocking: The proposed amendments will introduce more stringent measures for blocking SIM cards that have been fraudulently registered or are found to be misused. This aims to improve transparency and provide enhanced protection for consumers.
The commission emphasized that this initiative underscores its unwavering commitment to collaborative efforts and a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to addressing the multifaceted risks inherent in the digital space. Stakeholders are being urged to actively participate in shaping these crucial regulatory frameworks.
The importance of trust in the digital economy was further underscored by Olatokunbo Oyeleye, the Director of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance at the NCC. “As rightly noted, digital trust is the operating licence of modern economy. Without it, nothing scales and with it everything accelerates. For our sector, this trust must be embedded across the entire value chain,” she remarked.
These proposed changes align with earlier reports indicating the NCC’s intention to mandate a minimum 14-day notice period for telecom operators before deactivating SIM cards due to inactivity or post-paid churn. The consultation paper detailing these proposals, titled “Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform,” was published in February 2026.
Under the proposed amendments to the Quality-of-Service Business Rules, the NCC has clearly stipulated the notification process for both post-paid and pre-paid subscribers.
- Post-paid Lines: Prior to churning a post-paid line, the operator must send a notification to the affected subscriber, using an alternative line or email, indicating the pending churn. This notification must be issued at least 14 days before the final date of the churn.
- Pre-paid Lines: A similar provision is proposed for pre-paid lines. Operators are required to send a notification to the subscriber through an alternative line or email about the impending churn, ensuring the notice is sent at least 14 days before the final churn date.
The introduction of the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System Platform represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to create a secure, trustworthy, and robust digital economy.
