NCC Hosts Strategic Forum to Address Growing Concerns Over Unclaimed Subscriber Recharges

In a proactive move to enhance consumer protection and foster regulatory clarity in Nigeria’s telecom sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) convened a stakeholder forum on Tuesday to address the persistent issue of unclaimed and unused subscriber recharges. The engagement, hailed as a forward-looking initiative, brought together key players including mobile network operators, legal experts, consumer advocates, and industry stakeholders.

The core objective of the forum was to review and refine a draft guidance framework designed to manage prepaid balances on inactive or churned lines, specifically those disconnected after 12 months of inactivity. The meeting underscored the commission’s commitment to developing balanced policies that protect consumers while ensuring sustainability for service providers.

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Balancing Regulation and Industry Growth

The Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Aminu Maida, who was represented by Rimini Makama, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, emphasized the dual focus of the commission. According to Makama, the ongoing evolution of Nigeria’s telecom industry necessitates thoughtful and inclusive policymaking that does not only safeguard consumer rights but also supports innovation and competitiveness.

“As the telecommunications sector continues to advance, it is essential to tackle emerging challenges, such as the status of prepaid balances on inactive lines,” Makama stated. He explained that the NCC is working to ensure that the right policy architecture is in place, one that aligns with international best practices while addressing the unique dynamics of the Nigerian market.

Under the new draft regulations, subscribers with inactive lines will be given a 12-month grace period to reclaim their unused credit. However, this retrieval will be contingent upon verification of ownership, ensuring both transparency and security.

Focus Keyword: “Regulation” Anchors New Draft Guidelines

During the forum, Chizua Whyte, NCC’s Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, detailed the legal implications and consumer protections embedded in the draft framework. She stated that regulation is central to reinforcing industry standards and fostering trust between service providers and the consumer base.

“The draft seeks to ensure subscribers maintain rightful access to their purchased credits while operators gain clarity in their responsibilities,” Whyte explained. One of the landmark elements of the new policy is the prohibition of monetization of unclaimed airtime. Instead, the guidelines advocate for service-based redemptions, including voice and data bundles, thus preventing any potential misuse or misappropriation of unclaimed funds.

Whyte highlighted a number of critical provisions that require operators to inform users of pending forfeitures and related account policies well in advance. Additionally, the guidelines stipulate that operators must regularly audit churned accounts and submit reports on unclaimed balances to the NCC.

To ensure swift implementation and adherence, a 90-day compliance window has been established for telecom providers. Failure to meet the guidelines within this timeframe will result in regulatory penalties. Furthermore, the NCC committed to reviewing submitted audits within 10 days, reinforcing the urgency and significance of the initiative.

Global Benchmarks and Consumer-Centric Vision

The forum also showcased Nigeria’s intent to align with global standards. Stakeholders were reminded that in major markets such as the United States, the European Union, and India, similar regulations exist to promote transparency and provide subscribers with alternatives to refunds, often in the form of additional services.

This strategic alignment is part of a broader mission by the NCC to increase transparency in telecom billing, boost consumer confidence, and offer a clearer operational framework for service providers. The approach marks a shift toward service-based accountability and places consumer rights at the heart of telecom operations.

Consumer advocacy groups present at the forum lauded the commission’s initiative and called for extensive consumer education campaigns to ensure that subscribers fully understand the implications of the new policy. Education, they noted, will be vital to increasing compliance and preventing the future recurrence of unclaimed balances.

The NCC reiterated its dedication to consumer empowerment through clear regulations, efficient service delivery, and stakeholder inclusivity. With the new framework under review, Nigeria moves one step closer to achieving a more transparent, fair, and technologically robust telecom environment.