NCC Takes Action Against Call Masking Threats in Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has expressed renewed concerns regarding the resurgence of call masking, a practice that threatens telecom revenues, consumer trust, and national communications security. This warning was issued during the NCC's 110th Governing Board meeting.

Call masking involves hiding the true origin of a phone call, often manipulating international calls to appear as local Nigerian numbers. This practice allows perpetrators to bypass termination charges, resulting in financial losses for telecom operators and the government.

Ordinary Nigerians are also affected, as they may miss important calls from abroad due to misleading number displays. Ikechukwu Nnamani, Chief Executive of Medallion Communications, has noted instances of receiving such calls.

Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, has called for stricter measures against the technical loopholes facilitating call masking. The NCC aims to work with security agencies and telecom operators to identify and eliminate these activities and is developing a Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System set to launch in October 2026.