Nigeria’s House of Representatives calls on the Nigerian Communications Commission to delay SIM card reassignment and enhance data protection measures to curb fraud and identity theft.
House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the waiting period before inactive SIM cards are reassigned to new users, citing growing concerns over data security and fraud.
The lawmakers are proposing a new timeline of up to 18 months, alongside stricter safeguards, to align with 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 wrongful criminal accusations linked 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 said this gap has created serious vulnerabilities, particularly where old phone numbers remain tied to sensitive personal data such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identity Numbers (NIN).
To address the issue, 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 help 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 directed its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and other relevant agencies to tighten regulatory safeguards, with a report expected within four weeks.
If adopted, the proposed changes could significantly reshape how telecom operators manage inactive lines, placing greater emphasis on consumer protection and data privacy.
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