NCC Introduces TIRMS to Tackle Mobile Number Fraud in Nigeria
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a new platform called the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), aimed at addressing fraud associated with mobile numbers and enhancing digital security across various sectors in Nigeria. This initiative, reported by The Cable, is designed to help regulators and service providers better monitor risks tied to SIM cards, as mobile numbers increasingly serve as key identifiers for financial transactions and digital services.
Platform to Track Recycled Numbers and Prevent Fraud
Earlier, on February 27, the NCC announced plans to roll out a cross-sector system that enables financial and security institutions to track recycled phone numbers and reduce fraud linked to SIM reassignment. Speaking at a stakeholders’ consultative forum in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Aminu Maida, explained that TIRMS will provide a unified framework for managing risks tied to mobile numbers. He noted that mobile numbers, technically known as MSISDNs, are now central to digital authentication, financial transactions, and access to essential services.
However, Maida warned that recycled, swapped, or fraudulently used SIM cards have become a growing channel for identity theft and financial crimes. "The fraudulent use of churned, recycled, swapped, and barred MSISDNs has become a significant vector for financial fraud and identity theft," he stated.
How the TIRMS System Will Operate
The NCC detailed that the new platform will allow banks, telecom operators, and other service providers to verify whether a mobile number has been flagged for suspicious activity before granting access to services. Maida added that this initiative is expected to strengthen trust and accountability within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. To support implementation, the commission has proposed regulatory updates, including:
- A requirement for telecom operators to notify subscribers at least 14 days before deactivating their lines.
- Mandatory submission of churned number data to the TIRMS platform within seven days.
- A new framework for blocking fraudulently registered SIM cards.
The NCC also emphasised that the initiative will involve collaboration between telecom operators, financial regulators, security agencies, and consumer groups.
MTN Raises Concerns Over Duplication and Low Adoption
During the consultation, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc expressed concerns that the proposed platform could duplicate existing systems without addressing adoption challenges. The company noted that a SIM swap and recycling notification system already exists through collaboration involving the NCC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). However, MTN said adoption among financial institutions has been limited, raising questions about the effectiveness of the new system if participation is not made mandatory.
MTN recommended setting up a multi-stakeholder technical working group to define operational processes, integration requirements, and cost structures. It also urged regulators to work with the CBN to ensure banks integrate with the platform.
Concerns Over 14-Day Notification Policy
MTN also questioned the practicality of the proposed 14-day pre-deactivation notification rule. The company argued that relying on alternative communication channels, such as email, may not be effective due to incomplete or outdated subscriber data. According to its submission, many users do not provide email addresses during SIM registration or national identity number (NIN) verification, while existing records may be unreliable.
MTN suggested that telecom operators prioritise notifications through the primary mobile line and treat other channels as supplementary. The company also advised operators to keep verifiable records of notification attempts and increase public awareness campaigns on SIM inactivity rules.
Background on Telecom Infrastructure Sharing
In related news, MTN Group and Airtel Africa have signed a new network infrastructure sharing deal to improve service coverage in Nigeria and Uganda. This agreement is expected to significantly reduce the cost of entering new markets and locations for both companies. The chief executive officers of both firms have released statements on the implications of this deal for subscribers in these markets.
