The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian Communications Commission to extend the waiting period before inactive phone numbers are reassigned to new users to one year and six months.
Lawmakers said the proposed extension would enhance compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act and protect citizens from fraud, identity theft, and wrongful criminal allegations linked to recycled SIM cards.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Billy Osawaru during plenary.
Osawaru proposed that the additional six-month period should be used to publicly announce inactive SIM cards slated for reallocation in national newspapers, while also reporting them to law enforcement agencies periodically.
He noted that the measure would improve transparency and assist in resolving cases involving fraud or criminal activities tied to reassigned phone numbers.
Lawmakers expressed concern that current guidelines, which allow telecom providers to deactivate and reassign inactive numbers after periods of dormancy, could expose new users to risks if such numbers remain linked to previous owners’ sensitive data, including Bank Verification Numbers and National Identity Numbers.
The motion received broad support and was adopted without opposition.
Following its passage, the House mandated its Committees on Communications and Commerce to work with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and other relevant agencies to strengthen safeguards for telecom subscribers.
The committees are expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
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