NCC launches platform to help banks, telcos verify phone numbers, curb fraud

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has rolled out a telecoms identity risk management system (TIRMS) to combat fraud associated with mobile numbers and enhance digital security across industries.

The move builds on an earlier announcement made on February 27, when the regulator disclosed plans for a cross-sector platform that would enable financial institutions and security agencies to monitor recycled phone numbers and prevent fraud linked to SIM card reassignment.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja, the commission’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, said the platform offers a unified system for managing risks tied to mobile number usage.

He noted that mobile numbers—technically known as MSISDNs—have become central to financial transactions, identity verification, and access to essential digital services. Despite their importance, Maida said vulnerabilities arising from recycled, swapped, or improperly registered SIM cards have increasingly been exploited for financial crimes and identity theft.

According to him, the TIRMS platform will allow banks, telecom operators, and other service providers to check whether a phone number has been flagged for suspicious activity before granting users access to services.

The NCC also said the platform is expected to strengthen accountability and boost public confidence in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

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To support the initiative, the commission is proposing updates to existing regulations. These include a requirement for telecom operators to notify subscribers at least 14 days before deactivating their lines, as well as a mandate to upload details of recycled numbers to the TIRMS platform within seven days.

In addition, a new framework is being developed to block fraudulently registered SIM cards.
Maida said the initiative highlights the NCC’s commitment to deeper collaboration among regulators, security agencies, telecom operators, financial institutions, and consumer groups in addressing digital risks.