The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled plans to introduce a Telecoms Identity Risk Management System platform to tackle SIM-related fraud, strengthen digital security, and boost confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Aminu Maida, the commission’s executive vice chairman, made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja during a stakeholders’ consultative conference on the proposed platform and expected regulatory amendments.
Maida, who was represented by Rimini Makama, executive commissioner, stakeholder management, stated that the mobile station international subscriber directory number, also known as a SIM or mobile phone number, had become central to financial transactions, digital identity, and service access but cautioned that its widespread use had created vulnerabilities.
He stated that fraudulent operations involving recycled, traded, churned, and blocked SIMs had emerged as a key source of identity theft and financial crime, undermining trust in digital services.
He said, “The mobile station international subscriber directory number, commonly known as the SIM or mobile phone number, has evolved into a critical identifier underpinning financial transactions, digital authentication, and access to essential services across all sectors of our economy.
“This evolution, however, has created new and challenging vulnerabilities. The fraudulent use of churned, recycled, swapped, and barred MISISDN’s has become a significant vector for financial fraud and identity theft, eroding public trust in our digital platforms and undermining the identity of systems we have worked hard to build.
“It is in direct response to these challenges that the commission has initiated the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System Platform.”
According to him, the platform would allow service providers to validate cell numbers flagged for suspicious or fraudulent activity before giving access, which is expected to reduce fraud exposure and increase responsibility.
He went on to say that the system would improve collaboration among regulators, financial institutions, and security agencies, resulting in a more robust digital ecosystem.
To facilitate the deployment, the commission has suggested changes to its Quality of Service Business Rules and the Registration of Communications Subscribers framework.
The proposed reforms require telecom carriers to notify consumers at least 14 days before recycling their lines and to upload information about churned numbers to the portal within seven days.
The revisions also include tougher procedures for blocking fraudulently registered or misused SIMs, with the goal of increasing transparency and protecting consumers.
Maida stated that the initiative represents the commission’s commitment to collaboration and a whole-of-government approach to managing digital threats and urged stakeholders to actively participate in defining the framework.
Also addressing this, the commission’s director of cybersecurity and internet governance, Olatokunbo Oyeleye, stated that confidence is still vital to the digital economy.
