NCC Moves to Forfeit Unused Airtime on Dormant Lines

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is proposing a new framework that would see telephone subscribers forfeit unused airtime after prolonged line inactivity.

During a virtual Stakeholders Engagement Forum on Unclaimed Recharges, the NCC stated that airtime is non-refundable and shouldn’t be treated like cash. This aligns with global telecom practices in regions like the U.S., EU, and India.

Key Points of the Draft Framework:

• 12-Month Grace Period: Subscribers have one year to reclaim unused credit if they can prove ownership.

• Line Deactivation: Lines with no revenue-generating activity for six months will be deactivated; continued inactivity for another six months could lead to line recycling.

• Consumer Notification: Operators must notify users before forfeiture and offer alternatives like data or voice bundles instead of refunds.

• Operator Obligations:

  • Conduct audits of churned numbers.

  • Submit detailed reports of all unclaimed credits.

  • Comply with the new rules within 90 days or face fines and audits.

• Consumer Education: Operators must launch awareness campaigns to inform users about the policy.

As of January 2025, out of over 316 million connected lines in Nigeria, only 141.6 million remain active. This has raised concerns about unused credit and inactive accounts.

NCC’s Position:

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC (represented by Rimini Makama), said this initiative aims to balance consumer protection, regulatory oversight, and industry sustainability. He stressed the importance of addressing the fate of unused balances in a rapidly evolving telecom sector.

The Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, Chizua Whyte, added that the proposed framework would ensure transparency, regulatory clarity, and fair consumer treatment.