NCC, CBN Launch Portal to Track Fraudulent Phone Lines

NCC, CBN Launch Portal to Track Fraudulent Phone Lines

In a major step to combat rising cybercrime, the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Central Bank of Nigeria have introduced a new digital platform designed to help financial institutions identify and track suspicious phone lines used in fraudulent activities.

The initiative, unveiled alongside a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both regulators, centers on the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) — a real-time data-sharing portal aimed at improving fraud detection, consumer protection, and transparency in digital transactions.

Speaking at the launch, NCC Executive Vice Chairman Aminu Maida said the collaboration marks a significant milestone in strengthening ties between the telecom and financial sectors. He noted that as mobile numbers increasingly serve as tools for identity verification and banking access, stronger regulatory coordination is critical.

According to him, the TIRMS portal provides banks and financial institutions with real-time insights into the status of phone numbers linked to transactions. This includes information on whether a number has been swapped, recycled, disconnected, or flagged for suspicious activity.

“The portal aggregates data on churned or recycled lines and numbers flagged for suspicious activities. This means institutions can determine the true status of a line before completing transactions,” Maida explained.

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The new system is expected to significantly curb SIM-related fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized financial transactions, which have become increasingly prevalent with the rise of mobile banking and fintech services in Nigeria.

Beyond fraud prevention, the platform is also set to enhance customer experience and dispute resolution. Issues such as failed airtime recharges, delayed transaction reversals, and payment errors can now be addressed more efficiently through coordinated action between regulators and service providers.

Maida added that the partnership builds on previous cooperation between both institutions, including the resolution of the USSD debt impasse, which helped restore stability and trust across telecom and banking services.

On his part, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso emphasized that the MoU would strengthen collaboration in areas such as regulatory approvals, technical standards, and financial innovation, including sandbox testing for emerging technologies.

He revealed that two joint committees have been established to oversee implementation:

• A Payment Systems and Consumer Protection Committee
• A TIRMS Technical Committee

These committees will ensure continuous monitoring, policy alignment, and rapid response to emerging threats within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Experts say the launch of the TIRMS portal comes at a critical time as Nigeria experiences increased reliance on digital payments, mobile banking, and online financial services, alongside a rise in cyber-enabled fraud.

Overall, the NCC-CBN partnership represents a significant push toward a secure, resilient, and inclusive digital economy, where technology is leveraged to protect consumers, enhance trust, and support sustainable financial growth.

NCC, CBN Launch Portal to Track Fraudulent Phone Lines