By Boluwatife Oshadiya | March 27, 2026
Key Points
- Introduces Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) to tackle fraud linked to mobile numbers
- Targets misuse of recycled, swapped, and dormant SIM-linked identities across financial and digital services
- Proposes new rules mandating telcos to notify users before line churn and report activity within seven days
Main Story
Nigerian Communications Commission has unveiled a new regulatory platform, the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), aimed at strengthening digital security and reducing fraud tied to mobile identities across Nigeria’s economy.
The Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, disclosed the initiative at a stakeholder forum in Abuja, noting that mobile numbers—formally known as Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Numbers (MSISDNs)—have become central to financial transactions, authentication systems, and access to essential services.
He warned that the increasing reliance on mobile numbers has exposed systemic vulnerabilities, particularly through recycled, churned, swapped, and barred SIMs, which are now being exploited for fraud and identity theft.
“The fraudulent use of churned, recycled, swapped and barred MSISDNs has become a significant vector for financial fraud and identity theft. It is eroding public trust in our digital platforms,” Maida said.
Represented by Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, the NCC said the TIRMS platform will serve as a secure, cross-sector system enabling service providers to verify the status of mobile numbers before granting access to sensitive services.
The regulator also proposed amendments to existing Quality of Service and subscriber registration rules, including a requirement for telecom operators to notify subscribers at least 14 days before a line is churned and to submit churn data to the TIRMS platform within seven days.
What’s Being Said
“Digital trust is the operating licence of the modern economy. Without it, nothing scales — and with it, everything accelerates,” said Olatokunbo Oyeleye, Director of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance at the NCC.
“TIRMS is designed to strengthen coordination across sectors, enhance identity assurance, and prevent fraud stemming from recycled and compromised mobile numbers,” she added.
Industry stakeholders at the forum broadly welcomed the initiative, noting that telecom-linked fraud has increasingly intersected with banking, fintech, and public service delivery systems.
What’s Next
- The NCC is expected to finalise and implement amendments to telecom service regulations backing TIRMS
- Telecom operators will begin integration with the platform, including mandatory reporting of churned numbers
- Financial institutions and digital service providers are likely to align onboarding and verification processes with TIRMS protocols
The Bottom Line:
Nigeria’s digital economy is only as secure as its identity infrastructure. By targeting vulnerabilities in mobile number usage, the NCC is attempting to close a critical fraud loophole — but enforcement and cross-sector adoption will determine whether TIRMS delivers meaningful impact.
