By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the waiting period before inactive SIM cards are reassigned to new users, citing rising concerns over data security and fraud.
The lawmakers are proposing a new timeline of up to 18 months, alongside stricter safeguards, to better align with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Billy Osawaru during plenary, where he warned that the current system exposes Nigerians to risks such as identity theft, financial fraud, and even wrongful criminal accusations tied to recycled phone numbers.
Under existing guidelines, telecom operators can deactivate and reassign SIM cards after as little as 180 days of inactivity, and up to one year in some cases—often without notifying the previous owner.
Lawmakers say this gap has created vulnerabilities, especially where old numbers remain linked to sensitive personal data like Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identity Numbers (NIN).
To address this, the House is also recommending a mandatory six-month public notification period before any reassignment. This would include announcements in national newspapers and formal communication with law enforcement agencies to track and prevent misuse.
“This is about protecting Nigerians from avoidable risks,” Osawaru said, stressing the need for stronger accountability in the telecom sector.
The House has now directed its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and other relevant agencies to tighten regulatory safeguards. A report is expected within four weeks.
If adopted, the proposed changes could significantly reshape how telecom operators manage inactive lines, with a sharper focus on consumer protection and data privacy.
