News Highlights:
- NCC held a stakeholder forum to address unutilised airtime and data on inactive mobile lines.
- Subscribers will now have 12 months to reclaim unused credit if they can prove ownership.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) held a virtual Stakeholder Engagement Forum in Abuja on Tuesday, where it reaffirmed its commitment to consumer protection and regulatory clarity.
The forum held to address the issue of unutilised and unclaimed recharges (for airtime and data) in the telecommunications sector, marks a significant move toward refining regulatory practices in the interest of consumers and operators alike.
With the core of the forum’s agenda being the treatment of prepaid balances when mobile lines become inactive, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, emphasized the evolving nature of the telecoms landscape and the need to address challenges that may compromise consumer rights.
Dr. Maida highlighted that while prepaid plans offer flexibility and affordability to millions of Nigerians, there is an urgent need to determine what happens to unused airtime when a subscriber’s line is deactivated due to prolonged inactivity.
He stated that under the new Quality-of-Service Business Rules 2024, any line without a Revenue Generating Event for six months is to be deactivated, and may be recycled after another six months of inactivity. Importantly, subscribers can reclaim their unused credit within one year if they can prove ownership.
“This forum provides a platform to examine the broader debate on whether operators should be mandated to refund unused airtime or if the ‘use it or lose it’ policy should prevail,” Dr. Maida stated. “Our goal is to strike a balance that protects consumers while maintaining the efficiency and sustainability of the industry.”
The NCC Chief stressed the importance of collaborative engagement in shaping a robust and responsive regulatory framework, and urged stakeholders to participate openly and constructively, noting that their contributions are vital in creating a telecom environment that is fair, transparent, and consumer-centric.
“As we navigate this evolving sector, our focus remains on policies that ensure quality service delivery, protect user rights, and promote industry innovation,” Maida added. “We look forward to meaningful outcomes that will enhance consumer trust and strengthen regulatory processes.”
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, emphasized the Commission’s responsibility to develop robust regulatory instruments that support a dynamic and inclusive telecommunications environment.
She noted that the forum is part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to creating a market that protects consumer interests while providing clarity and fairness to operators.
Mrs. Whyte highlighted the growing concern around unutilized and unclaimed recharges, particularly when subscriber lines are deactivated after prolonged inactivity in accordance with the Commission’s Quality of Service Regulations.
The Draft Guidance under discussion aims to provide a structured and transparent approach to managing such recharges, ensuring that subscribers retain access to their unused credits while maintaining regulatory accountability for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
Among the key provisions of the Draft Guidance is a 12-month window for subscribers to reclaim unutilized recharges from churned lines, provided ownership can be verified. Operators are also required to conduct detailed audits and submit documentation on all unclaimed balances, reinforcing transparency.
Furthermore, unclaimed recharges are not to be monetized but should be made available through service-based options such as data, voice, or value-added services on the primary network. The Draft Guidance also sets a ninety-day compliance timeline for operators following its issuance, along with mandatory consumer education efforts to ensure public awareness.
While Mrs. Whyte described these measures as crucial in an era where telecommunications services underpin much of the nation’s economic and social life, she stated that the proposed framework balances consumer protection with the operational realities faced by telecom service providers, and reflects the Commission’s wider goal of regulatory excellence.
She also reiterated the NCC’s openness to feedback and the importance of stakeholder input in shaping a practical, fair, and enforceable final policy. “This stakeholder forum underscores our commitment to transparent and collaborative regulation,” she said. “Together, we can craft a regulatory path that protects consumers, supports operators, and advances our digital economy.”
The NCC expressed its appreciation to all participants and looked forward to a productive session that would contribute to the sustainable and consumer-focused growth of the Nigerian telecom sector.