Reps ask NCC to extend period for reassignment of inactive phone numbers
House Urges Extension of Inactive SIM Card Reassignment Period
The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to increase the waiting period for the reassignment of inactive phone numbers to a duration of one year and six months.
Lawmakers emphasize that this extension would enhance compliance with the Data Protection Act of 2023, helping to safeguard Nigerians against fraud, identity theft, and wrongful criminal accusations connected to reassigned SIM cards.
The resolution was prompted by a motion presented by Billy Osawaru, the representative for Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency in Edo State, during a plenary session. Osawaru’s proposal includes a provision for the public announcement of inactive SIM cards slated for reallocation, advising that these notifications be published in national newspapers and reported to law enforcement once or twice annually.
“The House recognizes that existing guidelines require network providers to deactivate and reallocate inactive SIM cards and phone numbers,” Osawaru stated. He underscored that implementing this measure would bolster transparency and facilitate the resolution of criminal or fraudulent cases linked to SIM card reassignment.
Additionally, Osawaru referenced claims from network providers that retaining inactive SIM cards is not financially viable. “We are concerned that without strict guidance, reallocation of SIM cards could lead to data breaches, identity theft, and financial fraud, particularly when these numbers remain associated with the previous owner’s sensitive information, such as Bank Verification Numbers and National Identity Numbers,” he added.
Currently, NCC guidelines mandate that network providers deactivate inactive SIM cards after 180 days (six months) and permit reassignment to new users after one year of inactivity, without notifying the original owners, as outlined in the new Telecom Identity Risk Management Policy.
