Nigeria’s Telecom Sector Poised for Transformation with New Dormant Line Management Policy

 

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is preparing to roll out a new framework aimed at tackling the challenges posed by dormant mobile lines. This move, part of an ambitious overhaul of the Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy (TIRMP), will introduce fresh regulations that allow mobile operators to deactivate and recycle inactive phone numbers, optimizing the use of scarce numbering resources.

According to insider information obtained by Vanguard, the updated TIRMP guidelines will permit the reassignment of inactive phone lines to new subscribers after one full year of dormancy. This marks a significant shift from current practices, designed to curtail inefficiencies and bolster the telecom sector’s overall quality of service (QoS).

The revision is scheduled to debut by the fourth quarter of 2025, promising a more disciplined approach to managing “churned” numbers — those left unused for extended periods. These include phone lines that have been inactive or flagged due to prior fraudulent activities. The NCC believes this policy will not only improve the telecom landscape but also enhance the overall user experience in Nigeria.

A source close to the commission revealed that the revamped TIRMP platform will incorporate sophisticated cross-sector data sharing mechanisms. These tools will enable telecom operators, regulatory authorities, financial institutions, and security agencies to track inactive or potentially misused phone numbers with greater precision. Such collaboration is expected to minimize risks linked to the recycling of numbers still connected to digital wallets, banking services, or other sensitive platforms previously linked to their former owners.

Under the proposed guidelines, a mobile number will be classified as inactive if it fails to generate any revenue for 180 consecutive days. Revenue-generating activities include voice calls, SMS, paid USSD sessions, or data usage. Should the inactivity persist for an additional 180 days—making it a total of 360 days—the number will be declared eligible for reassignment, a process commonly known in the industry as “churning.”

“The QoS Regulation and Business Rules 2024 stipulate that if a phone line experiences 365 days without any revenue-generating event, operators are authorized to churn the line,” the insider added. This policy enables telecom operators, who lease numbering allocations from the NCC, to return dormant numbers to circulation, making them available to new subscribers.

Telephone numbers, the NCC emphasizes, are a finite resource subject to global standards set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The ITU’s Recommendation E.164 governs the format and allocation of these numbers to ensure harmonization across borders. Since numbers must adhere to specific lengths and formats, the pool of valid combinations remains inherently limited, making efficient management critical.

“Numbering resources underpin the entire telecommunications infrastructure,” the source explained. “Given their finite nature, ensuring optimal allocation and reuse of phone numbers is vital for sustaining growth and preventing resource exhaustion.”

A major focus of the new TIRMP platform is the reduction of fraud risks. By enabling service providers to identify and flag suspicious numbers, the system will play a crucial role in securing Nigeria’s increasingly digital economy. Phone numbers often serve as the primary gateway to banking services, identity verification, and other sensitive online activities, making robust number management indispensable.

Collaboration is key to the success of this initiative. The NCC is working closely with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), security agencies, and other stakeholders to develop and implement the platform effectively. A beta version of the system is currently undergoing testing, with the NCC positioned as the primary host and regulator.

Through these concerted efforts, the commission aims to strengthen the integrity of mobile number management, which, in turn, is expected to boost consumer trust and enhance security across digital and financial ecosystems. The new rules are also expected to spur innovation by creating a more reliable and efficient telecommunications environment.

With Nigeria’s telecom sector playing a pivotal role in driving digital inclusion and economic development, these reforms mark a critical step toward sustaining the sector’s expansion and improving service delivery to millions of users nationwide. The NCC’s proactive stance highlights its commitment to modernizing regulatory frameworks in line with evolving technological realities and consumer needs.

As the deadline for the policy’s rollout approaches, industry stakeholders and subscribers alike are keenly watching how these changes will shape the future of mobile communications in Nigeria. By responsibly managing dormant lines and recycling valuable numbering assets, the NCC hopes to unlock new opportunities while safeguarding users from fraud and misuse in an increasingly connected world.