NCC Proposes 12-Month Window to Reclaim Unused Airtime on Deactivated Lines—Here’s What You Need to Know

In a groundbreaking move aimed at boosting consumer protection, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a proposal for a 12-month grace period for subscribers to reclaim unused airtime from deactivated mobile lines. This exciting proposal, aimed at safeguarding consumer interests while balancing the operational needs of telecom providers, was revealed during a virtual stakeholder engagement forum in Abuja on Tuesday.

NCC’s Bold Step to Protect Consumers

Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, who was represented by Rimini Makama, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, emphasized that the proposal is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to protect consumer rights in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecommunications sector. The telecommunications industry, Maida stated, has played a crucial role in driving Nigeria’s economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation.

While the benefits of mobile services and flexible prepaid plans are clear, the sector is also facing challenges related to inactive prepaid accounts and unclaimed recharges. Under current guidelines, if a prepaid line does not generate revenue for six months, it is deactivated. If inactivity continues for another six months, the line may be recycled. This proposal seeks to address this issue by giving subscribers a 12-month window to reclaim unused airtime, provided they can verify ownership of the deactivated line.

How the 12-Month Grace Period Works

The initiative is designed to balance consumer protection with the operational realities of the telecommunications industry. The NCC’s new framework aims to ensure that subscribers are not unfairly deprived of the airtime they’ve paid for, especially in cases where they have been disconnected due to inactivity.

Maida explained that this move is part of a larger conversation about whether telecom operators should be required to refund unused airtime or adopt a “use it or lose it” approach. The goal, he said, is to develop a regulatory framework that is both fair to consumers and practical for operators, ensuring the continued efficiency and competitiveness of the industry.

Key Provisions of the Draft Guidelines

At the same forum, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, shared insights into the proposed guidelines. The draft specifies that subscribers whose lines have been churned will have up to 12 months to claim their unutilized recharges, as long as they can prove ownership. This is a crucial step in balancing consumer rights with the operational needs of telecom companies.

Other key provisions include:

• Comprehensive Audits: Telecom operators will be required to conduct detailed audits of churned numbers, documenting unclaimed and unused recharges to ensure transparency and accountability.

• No Monetization of Unclaimed Airtime: Unclaimed airtime cannot be converted to cash by operators. Instead, it must be made available to affected subscribers through service options such as voice plans, data packages, and value-added services.

• Full Compliance Within 90 Days: Operators will have 90 days to comply with these new guidelines and implement consumer education programs to ensure that subscribers are fully informed of their rights and options.

Global Best Practices and Consumer-Centric Goals

Whyte also highlighted that this initiative aligns with international best practices in countries like the United States, the European Union, and India, where service alternatives are prioritized over cash refunds. These countries focus on transparency, service options, and ensuring that consumers retain access to their unused credits, rather than letting them go to waste.

The NCC’s initiative aims to create a fair, transparent, and consumer-friendly telecommunications environment in Nigeria, ensuring that subscribers are empowered to reclaim what’s rightfully theirs.

What’s Next for Subscribers and Telecom Operators?

The NCC expects operators to fully comply with the proposed guidelines within 90 days. In addition to implementing the new rules, telecom companies will be required to educate their customers about the process and make sure they understand how to reclaim any unused airtime on deactivated lines.

As the regulatory framework takes shape, stakeholders are optimistic that this move will significantly improve consumer trust in Nigeria’s telecom industry, offering subscribers more control over their airtime and ensuring that they’re not left empty-handed when their lines become inactive.

Conclusion

With the introduction of this 12-month grace period, the NCC is taking a significant step toward creating a fairer and more transparent telecommunications market in Nigeria. If passed, this move will empower millions of consumers to reclaim their unused airtime and ensure that operators remain accountable for unutilized credits. As the proposal moves forward, all eyes are on the telecom industry to see how quickly these changes will be implemented.