The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to launch a cross-sector platform called the Telecom Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) by end of March to prevent fraud linked to SIM card reassignment. The portal will collect and share data on churned (recycled) mobile numbers and numbers flagged for fraudulent activities across sectors, addressing issues like users receiving messages meant for previous owners or being investigated for offences committed by former users.
Key stakeholders including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), pension regulators, NIMC, and security agencies will have controlled access. An MoU with CBN is being finalised. The NCC is amending QoS regulations to support TIRMS deployment, including provisions for notifying line owners before churning and establishing procedures for blocking numbers implicated in fraud. Subscribers can preserve unused numbers for one year at minimal cost under “line parking” provisions.
Key Points:
The portal will significantly reduce fraud and identity theft linked to recycled SIMs.
It enhances security for financial transactions and subscriber identity verification.
Citizens gain protection, while regulators improve cross-sector data sharing.
This signals a major step in coordinating telecom and financial crime prevention.
The timing, with March launch, addresses growing SIM swap fraud concerns.
NCC launches TIRMS portal by March to combat SIM recycling fraud, granting CBN, SEC, security agencies access to recycled number data.
Sources: TheCable, NCC Document