The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is introducing a policy that will allow subscribers to recover unused airtime and data on deactivated lines within a one-year period.
This proposal is part of a wider effort to improve accountability and consumer protection within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The new draft framework was presented at a virtual stakeholder meeting hosted by the Commission in Abuja as part of its ongoing industry consultations.
The NCC explained that subscribers whose lines have been deactivated due to prolonged inactivity may now be granted a 12-month window to reclaim their remaining balances, subject to ownership verification.
Under existing rules, prepaid lines with no revenue activity for six months are deactivated. If inactivity continues for another six months, those lines may be reassigned to new users.
The current proposal seeks to protect consumers by providing a post-deactivation period during which the original line owners can retrieve unutilised airtime and data.
The Commission also indicated that all telecom operators would be required to review and report on deactivated accounts.
They must provide a full audit of affected lines and ensure all outstanding recharges are accounted for. These unclaimed balances must be preserved in a service form and not converted to cash or revenue.
Operators will have a compliance window of 90 days once the directive takes effect. The NCC also stated that new safeguards would be introduced to promote transparency in how operators manage dormant lines and associated balances.
The proposed rule reflects the Commission’s objective of protecting user funds while maintaining operational efficiency across telecom networks.
It also addresses the need for improved documentation and dispute resolution around churned numbers and dormant accounts.
The NCC affirmed that the initiative is part of broader regulatory changes that aim to modernise the treatment of inactive subscriber resources.
It expects the policy to reduce consumer complaints and enhance trust in telecom services.
The proposal is undergoing further stakeholder input and is expected to be finalised following regulatory review. If adopted, the rule will strengthen consumer recourse mechanisms while promoting fair business practices in the sector.
