NCC proposes new framework for blockage of fraudulent SIM numbers
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday began consultations with stakeholders on frameworks for the blockage of fraudulently registered Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) numbers by telecom operators in the country.
- From Blessing Olaifa, Abuja
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Thursday began consultations with stakeholders on frameworks for the blockage of fraudulently registered Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) numbers by telecom operators in the country.
The Commission said the move became necessary to unite industry experts, security agencies, financial sector regulators, government agencies, consumers, and concerned citizens in building a safer and more trustworthy digital communications ecosystem.
According to the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Wada Maida, the Commission initiated the Stakeholders Consultative process on the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) Platform to address challenges associated with the usage of SIM by subscribers.
Addressing participants at the NCC headquarters in Abuja during the Stakeholders Engagement, Dr. Maida said there is an urgent need to strengthen the regulatory foundation for SIM usage, as the evolution of SIM has brought about new challenges and vulnerabilities in the industry.
Dr. Maida was represented at the event by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Ms. Rimini Makama.
Dr Maida said, "The Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN), commonly known as the SIM or mobile phone number, has evolved into a critical identifier underpinning financial transactions, digital authentication, and access to essential services across all sectors of our economy.
"This evolution, however, has created new and challenging vulnerabilities. The fraudulent use of churned, recycled, swapped, and barred MISISDN’s has become a significant vector for financial fraud and identity theft, eroding public trust in our digital platforms and undermining the identity of systems we have worked hard to build."
He said the TIRMS platform was created to address the challenges, stressing that it is a secure platform supported with regulatory mechanisms to provide a uniform approach for managing all risks relating to the integrity and utilization of registered SIM numbers
He explained that the steps taken by the Commission aimed to "improve access to mobile numbers across key sectors to aid user accountability, reduce fraud risks by enabling service providers to verify mobile numbers flagged for dormancy, suspicious, criminal, and fraudulent activities before granting access to services."
The EVC said the measures would also" enhance digital security by ensuring service providers across all sectors can proactively verify and validate customer mobile number status."
"To strengthen the regulatory foundation for the TIRMS platform, the Commission has proposed targeted amendments to the Quality of Service (QoS) Business Rules and the Registration of Communications Subscribers Regulations Business Rules.
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"These amendments will among other things, require operators to notify affected subscribers at least Fourteen (14) days before any line is churned, mandate the submission of all churn number details to the TIRMS platform within Seven (7) days of completion of the churn process, and establish a new framework for the blocking of fraudulently registered or fraudulently utilized MSISDN’s", Dr Maida asserted.
He expressed optimism that the changes would promote transparency, protect subscribers, and ensure regulatory clarity in support of the TIRMS platform’s objective.
"This Forum also signposts the Commission's strategic focus on collaboration across different sectors as well as its participatory approach to rule-making.
"Hence, the discussions today and the eventual implementation of the TIRMS Platform will be geared towards collaboration with key stakeholders, relevant regulators, and law enforcement outfits.
"This approach will ensure a One Government approach and create the much-needed bridge across sectoral barriers and ecosystems", the NCC's boss stated.
