Reps Move to Extend Dormant SIM Reallocation Period to 18 Months

House of Reps

Reps Move to Extend Dormant SIM Reallocation Period to 18 Months

The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to extend the dormancy period for inactive phone numbers before they are reassigned to new users from the current timeline to 18 months.

This is in a bid to strengthen data protection, reduce SIM card fraud, and prevent identity theft linked to recycled mobile numbers.

The resolution was passed during Tuesday’s plenary following a motion sponsored by Billy Osawaru, who represents the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency of Edo State.

Lawmakers argued that extending the validity period of inactive numbers would improve compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and reduce the risks associated with recycled SIM cards linked to BVN and NIN records.

As part of the proposal, telecom operators would also be required to introduce additional safeguards, including a six-month buffer period within the 18-month framework. During this period, operators would publicly announce phone numbers scheduled for reassignment in national newspapers, notify security agencies periodically to track potential misuse, and improve monitoring of inactive numbers connected to sensitive identity data.

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Osawaru warned that the current SIM recycling system has exposed many Nigerians to fraud, harassment, and reputational damage, especially where reassigned numbers were previously used for criminal activities. He explained that under existing NCC telecom identity management guidelines, inactive SIM cards may be deactivated and later reassigned after a period of dormancy, a process operators say is necessary for operational sustainability.

However, lawmakers expressed concern that the practice has created loopholes that allow criminals to exploit recycled numbers, leading to cases of financial fraud, impersonation, and identity misuse. According to Osawaru, many victims have suffered embarrassment and extortion after unknowingly inheriting numbers previously linked to illegal activities.

The House further noted that recycled numbers often remain connected to sensitive personal records such as Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identity Numbers (NIN), increasing the risk of data breaches and digital identity compromise. Lawmakers stressed that strengthening SIM recycling regulations aligns with the objectives of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, which aims to safeguard citizens’ personal data in an increasingly digital financial ecosystem.

Currently, telecom operators are allowed to deactivate and recycle inactive numbers after a defined period of inactivity under NCC rules, following staged deactivation and cooling processes. Lawmakers, however, argue that the existing timeline is insufficient to fully protect users whose numbers may still be tied to financial services, social media accounts, and government identity systems.

Following unanimous adoption of the motion, the House mandated its committees on communications and commerce to engage the NCC, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and other relevant stakeholders. The committees are expected to submit a report within four weeks, which may shape possible legislative reforms to Nigeria’s SIM card recycling policy and telecom identity security framework. If implemented, the proposal could significantly extend the protection window for mobile subscribers and reshape how inactive phone numbers are managed across Nigeria’s telecom sector.