NCC Proposes 14-Day Notice for SIM Deactivation

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed a new regulation requiring telecommunications operators to provide a minimum of 14 days' notice before deactivating inactive SIM cards. This proposal is part of a consultation paper titled "Stakeholder Consultation Process on Telecom Ident Risk Management Platform," published on February 26, 2026.

The notice applies to both post-paid and pre-paid subscribers, mandating that operators notify affected subscribers via alternative lines or emails at least 14 days before the final churn date. The NCC states that subscribers may lose their numbers if they do not use their lines within six months, except in cases of network-related faults.

Additionally, operators are required to submit churn data to a new Telecom Ident Risk Management System within seven days of completing the churn process. This initiative aims to curb fraud and improve service quality in the telecommunications sector.

Stakeholders have until March 20, 2026, to submit comments on the proposal.