The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a new regulatory initiative aimed at curbing the growing threat of fraud linked to improperly registered Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards, as it begins consultations with key stakeholders on a comprehensive risk management framework.
At the heart of the proposal is a system designed to empower telecom operators to identify and block fraudulently registered SIMs, a move the commission says is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem. The engagement, which brought together industry experts, security agencies, financial regulators, government institutions, and consumer representatives, signals a coordinated push to tighten oversight and restore public confidence in digital communications.
Speaking during the stakeholder session in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, said the commission had commenced a consultative process on the proposed Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), a platform intended to address persistent vulnerabilities associated with SIM usage.
Maida noted that SIM cards have evolved beyond basic communication tools to become critical identity instruments, now widely used for financial transactions, digital authentication, and access to essential services. This transformation, he said, has significantly increased the risks associated with misuse.
According to him, the fraudulent exploitation of recycled, swapped, churned, and barred SIMs has emerged as a major channel for financial crimes and identity theft, undermining trust in digital platforms and weakening the integrity of systems built over the years.
The proposed TIRMS platform, he explained, would introduce a secure and standardised framework for managing risks tied to SIM registration and usage. Under the system, telecom service providers would be required to verify the status of SIM numbers flagged for suspicious, dormant, or criminal activity before allowing access to services.
As part of broader regulatory reforms, the NCC is also proposing amendments to existing Quality of Service and subscriber registration regulations. These include a requirement for telecom operators to notify subscribers at least 14 days before their lines are churned, as well as an obligation to submit details of churned numbers to the TIRMS platform within seven days.
The framework further seeks to establish clear procedures for identifying and blocking SIMs linked to fraudulent activities, while enhancing accountability and transparency across the telecom value chain.
Maida stressed that the initiative reflects the commission’s commitment to proactive regulation, adding that collaboration among stakeholders remains central to achieving effective outcomes. He described the approach as a “One Government” model that bridges institutional gaps and fosters synergy between telecom operators, law enforcement agencies, and regulatory bodies.
Industry observers say the move comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with rising cases of cyber fraud and identity-related crimes, many of which are enabled by compromised SIM registrations. By introducing a unified system for tracking and managing SIM-related risks, the NCC aims to strengthen digital security, protect consumers, and reinforce the credibility of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.
As consultations progress, stakeholders are expected to provide input that will shape the final framework, with the NCC positioning the initiative as a critical step toward building a safer, more resilient digital economy.
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