By Progress Godfrey

ABUJA — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled plans for a new Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) platform aimed at curbing fraud, strengthening digital security, and restoring trust in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a stakeholders’ consultative forum on the proposed platform and regulatory amendments.

Represented by the Executive Commissioner of Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, Maida said Mobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN), known as SIM or mobile phone number, has become central to financial transactions, digital identity, and access to essential services, but warned that its growing importance has also exposed the system to abuse.

He noted that fraudulent activities involving recycled, swapped, churned, and barred SIMs have become a major channel for identity theft and financial crimes, undermining confidence in digital platforms.

He 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.

“It is in direct response to these challenges that the Commission has initiated the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) Platform.”

According to him, the platform would enable service providers across sectors to verify mobile numbers flagged for suspicious or fraudulent activities before granting access, thereby reducing exposure to fraud and enhancing user accountability.

He added that the system would also improve coordination among regulators and institutions, including financial services and security agencies, to ensure a more resilient digital ecosystem.

To support the initiative, the NCC has proposed amendments to the Quality of Service Business Rules and the Registration of Communications Subscribers framework to strengthen consumer protection. The changes require telecom operators to notify subscribers at least 14 days before recycling their lines and upload details of churned numbers to the TIRMS platform within seven days. The amendments also introduce stricter measures for blocking fraudulently registered or misused mobile numbers, aimed at improving transparency and consumer protection.

Maida emphasised that the initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to collaboration and a “whole-of-government” approach to tackling digital risks. He called on stakeholders to actively contribute to shaping the framework, noting that broad participation would ensure effective implementation and industry-wide acceptance.

Also speaking, Director of Cybersecurity and Internet Governance at the NCC, Olatokunbo Oyeleye, described digital trust as the foundation of the modern economy. “As rightly noted, digital trust is the operating licence of modern economy. Without it, nothing scales and with it everything accelerates. For our sector, this trust must be embedded across the entire value chain,” she said.