What is TIRMS?
Telecommunications Identity Risk Management Systems (TIRMS) is a centralised system designed to help authorised organisationsverify the status of mobile phone numbers in real time and identify potential risks associated with them.
According to the NCC, TIRMS is the system that supports the verification and updating of phone-number statuses and is intended to promote fraud prevention, regulatory compliance and the integrity of consumer information.
TIRMS helps authorised service providers know whether a phone number is active, swapped, churned, blacklisted or has been reassigned to another consumer.
Your mobile phone number is more than just a means of making calls or sending messages. Today, your number may be linked to your bank account, social media accounts, email, online services and other important platforms. This makes protecting the identity and status of your phone number increasingly important.
To strengthen the security of phone numbers and reduce the risks associated with recycled, swapped or churned numbers the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS).
Why is TIRMS Important to Consumers?
Phone numbers can sometimes be reassigned after they are disconnected or become inactive. This means that a number previously used by one person may eventually be allocated to another person.
If banks, fintech companies or other service providers still have the previous owner's number in their records, the new user could potentially receive calls, messages or alerts intended for the previous owner.
TIRMS is designed to help reduce this type of risk by allowing approved service providers to verify the current status of a phone number before carrying out certain activities.
The system can be particularly useful in situations involving:
- Reassigned or recycled phone numbers
- SIM swaps
- Churned numbers
- Blacklisted numbers
- Potentially fraudulent activities; and
- Sensitive transactions or customer authentication.
How Does TIRMS Work?
TIRMS brings together relevant information about the status of phone numbers.
Authorised telecommunications operators can update the status of numbers in the system, while approved service providers such as banks and fintech companies can verify the status of numbers when necessary.
For example, before a financial institution allows a customer to perform a sensitive activity, it can verify whether the phone number associated with the customer's account has been swapped, churned, blacklisted or reassigned.
This additional verification can help service providers identify possible risks before they result in fraud or unauthorised access.
What About SIM Swaps?
A SIM swap occurs when a customer's mobile number is transferred from one SIM card to another, usually because the original SIM has been lost, stolen, damaged or replaced.
Because a phone number can be used for authentication and access to important services, unauthorised SIM swaps can create serious security risks.
TIRMS allows authorised organisations to verify whether a number has recently undergone a SIM swap, helping service providers take additional precautions where necessary.
Benefit of TIRMS
TIRMS can provide several important consumer-protection benefits.
1. Helps Reduce Fraud
By enabling approved service providers to verify phone-number status, TIRMS can help identify suspicious situations before they lead to fraud.
2. Helps Protect Financial Accounts
Many consumers use their mobile numbers for banking alerts, authentication and other financial services. Verifying the status of a number can provide an additional layer of protection.
3. Helps Address Risks Associated with Recycled Numbers
Consumers who receive calls, SMS messages or financial notifications intended for a previous owner of a number can be exposed to privacy and security concerns. Better information about number reassignment can help service providers update their records appropriately.
4. Supports Safer Digital Services
As more Nigerians use mobile phones for banking, payments, shopping and other digital services, ensuring that phone-number information remains accurate is increasingly important.
5. Strengthens Consumer Confidence
A safer and more reliable system for managing phone-number identity can help build confidence in Nigeria's telecommunications and digital ecosystem.
What Should Consumers Do?
Although TIRMS provides an additional layer of protection, consumers also have an important role to play in protecting their mobile numbers.
- Keep their SIM cards secure.
- Report a lost or stolen phone or SIM immediately to their network operator.
- Be cautious about sharing their phone number and personal information.
- Monitor their bank accounts and transaction alerts regularly.
- Update their phone number with banks and other service providers whenever their number changes.
- Report suspicious calls, messages or transactions to the relevant service provider.
- Avoid disclosing PINs, passwords, OTPs or other confidential information to anyone.
- Contact their bank immediately if they notice unusual activity linked to their phone number.
If You Receive Someone Else's Bank Alerts?
If you purchase a new SIM and begin receiving bank alerts, loan messages or other sensitive communications intended for another person, do not attempt to access or use the information.
Contact the relevant service provider and explain that the phone number has been reassigned to you. You should also avoid sharing the previous customer's information with others.
Your mobile number can serve as an important link between you and your financial, digital and communication services. Protecting it is therefore not only about preventing unwanted calls; it is also about protecting your identity and personal information.
TIRMS represents an important step towards strengthening the management of phone-number identity and reducing risks associated with recycled, swapped, churned lines.
As a telecom consumer, stay informed, protect your SIM and phone number, and report suspicious activities promptly.Never share your OTP, PIN, password or other confidential security information with anyone.
If you have a complaint about your telecom service provider and the matter remains unresolved after contacting the provider, you can escalate the complaint to the NCC through its consumer complaint channels;
- NCC 622 (Toll Free Line)
- Consumer Portal: www.consumer.ncc.gov.ng
- Email:
- X Handle: @ConsumersNCC
- NCC X Handle: @NgComCommission
- NCC Zonal Offices Nationwide
Stay informed. Stay alert. Protect your number.
The Internet has become an important part of children's lives. Children use smartphones, tablets and computers to learn, communicate with friends, play games, watch videos and explore the world. While the Internet offers many opportunities, it can also expose children to risks such as cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online scams, privacy violations, harmful interactions and contact with strangers.
Keeping children safe online is therefore a shared responsibility involving parents, caregivers, teachers, children, technology companies and other stakeholders.
One simple way parents and caregivers can help children develop safer online habits is by teaching them SMART rules.
What are the SMART Rules?
The SMART Rules are a simple set of online safety guidelines designed to help children stay safe when using the internet, social media, gaming platforms, and messaging apps. The acronym stands for;
S – Stay Safe with Personal Information
Teach children not to share personal information with people they meet online.
Personal information may include their Full name, Home address, School name and location, Telephone number, Passwords and PINs, Date of birth, Family information, Live location, Photos or videos that reveal where they live or attend school.
Children should understand that not everyone online is who they claim to be. A person who appears to be a child online could actually be an adult.
SMART tip: Teach children to ask a trusted adult before sharing personal information online.
M – Meet Online Friends Carefully
Children may make friends through games, social media, chat platforms and other online communities. However, an online friend is still a stranger until their identity and relationship are known and trusted in the real world.
Children should never agree to meet someone they met online without telling a parent or trusted adult.
If an online contact asks a child to keep the relationship secret, meet privately, send photographs or move the conversation to another platform, the child should immediately tell a trusted adult.
SMART tip: If someone online makes you uncomfortable, stop communicating with them and tell a trusted adult.
A – Accept Carefully
Children should be careful about what they accept online.
This includes Friend or follow requests, Messages and chat invitations, Files and photographs, Links, Downloads, Online games and applications.
Not every link, message or offer is safe. Some may contain scams, malware or inappropriate content.
Children should also be encouraged not to accept invitations to private groups or conversations from people they do not know.
SMART tip: When in doubt, do not click, download or accept. Ask a trusted adult first.
R – Remember: Be Respectful Online
Children should understand that the rules of good behaviour also apply online.
They should not Insult or threaten others, Spread rumours, Share embarrassing photographs of others, participate in cyberbullying, Pretend to be someone else or Post hurtful comments.
Children should also remember that what they post online can be copied, saved and shared by others.
SMART tip: Encourage children to think before posting or sending anything
T – Tell Someone You Trust
One of the most important online safety rules is to tell a trusted adult when something feels wrong.
Children should know that they will not be blamed for reporting something that makes them uncomfortable or afraid.
They should tell a parent, guardian, teacher or another trusted adult if: Someone sends them inappropriate messages or pictures, Someone threatens or blackmails them, they experience cyberbullying, a stranger asks to meet them, Someone asks for their passwords or personal information, they encounter disturbing or inappropriate content.
SMART tip: Parents and caregivers should listen calmly and avoid immediately blaming or punishing the child. By creating an environment where children feel safe to speak up is essential to protecting them online.
Parents Have an Important Role
Technology alone cannot keep children safe. Parents and caregivers need to take an active interest in their children's digital lives.
Parents can:
1. Talk regularly about online safety.
Do not wait until something goes wrong before discussing Internet safety.
2. Set age-appropriate rules.
Agree on when, where and how children can use devices and social media.
3. Use privacy and parental-control settings.
Where appropriate, activate privacy settings, content filters, screen-time controls and other safety features.
4. Teach children about passwords.
Children should use strong, unique passwords and should not share them with friends or strangers.
5. Keep devices updated.
Regular software and security updates can help protect devices from known security vulnerabilities.
6. Know what platforms children are using.
Parents should understand the apps, games and social platforms their children use and the risks associated with them.
7. Encourage reporting.
Teach children how to block, mute and report accounts or content that make them uncomfortable.
8. Lead by example.
Children learn from adults. Parents should also demonstrate responsible use of phones, social media and other digital services.
Keeping children safe online does not mean preventing them from using technology. The Internet can provide children with valuable opportunities to learn, create, communicate and develop digital skills.
The goal is to help children become confident, informed and responsible digital citizens who know how to recognise risks, protect themselves and seek help when necessary.
A Simple Reminder for Every Child
S – Stay safe with your personal information.
M – Meet online friends carefully.
A – Accept messages, links and requests carefully.
R – Remember to be respectful online.
T – Tell someone you trust when something goes wrong.
Parents and caregivers: Talk to your children about online safety today. A simple conversation could help protect them tomorrow.
What is Line Parking?
Line parking is a service that allows telecom consumers to temporarily place a mobile line in a dormant state while retaining ownership of the phone number.
Instead of using the line for calls, SMS, or data services, the consumer pays a nominal fee to keep the number reserved for a specified period, usually one year, with the option to extend the parking period when necessary.
Think of it as parking your car in a safe parking space. Although you are not using it, it remains yours until you are ready to use it again.
An assigned mobile phone number is more than just a way to make calls. It is statutorily linked to your National Identification Number (NIN) and often linked to your bank account, email, social media accounts, and other important services. If you will not be using your assigned mobile line for an extended period, you may be able to park the line instead of risking losing the phone number.
Why Would You Park Your Assigned Line?
You may consider parking the line if:
- You are travelling out of the Country for an extended period or going to live abroad for a determined period.
- You have a mobile number linked to your bank account, NIN, email or other important services.
- You own a business line that you want to retain while you are out of the network or unable to use it for a long period.
- You have a memorable phone number that you do not want to lose and you are not going to use it for a period that may qualify for churning the number due to inactivity.
- You will not be using the line for a long period but intend to use it again in the future.
Benefits of Line Parking
Parking your assigned line offers several advantages:
- Retains ownership of your assigned mobile number.
- Prevents your assigned number from being recycled and assigned to another consumer.
- Protects access to services linked to your assigned phone number.
- Saves the cost and inconvenience of obtaining a new number.
- Allows you to reactivate your assigned line whenever you are ready, subject to your service provider's terms.
Line Parking Tips
Before requesting this service, you should:
- Confirm that your mobile network operator offers line parking in line with the provisions of the Quality of Service (Business Rules) Regulations 2024.
- Understand the applicable fees and duration of the parking period.
- Renew the parking period before it expires if you wish to continue retaining the number.
- Keep your assigned SIM registration details up to date with your service provider.
Your assigned mobile number is part of your digital identity. If you do not intend to use your assigned line for an extended period but want to keep it, line parking offers a convenient way to retain your assigned number without the risk of it being recycled.
If available, this service can help consumers safeguard valuable phone numbers and maintain access to the many services connected to them.
Your mobile phone number is more than just a way to make calls. It is often linked to your bank account, email, social media accounts, and many other important services. If you stop using your SIM card for a regulatory-determined period of one year, your telecom operator may deactivate it, deregister it, and eventually reassign the number to someone else.
In Nigeria's telecoms industry, a churned line refers to a mobile phone number (MSISDN) that has been disconnected, deactivated, deregistered and withdrawn from a telecom consumer after a regulatory-determined period of one year of inactivity and may eventually be reassigned to another user.
What Is a Churned Line?
A churned line is a line withdrawn and deregistered from an inactive user and reissued to another user, who will be required to register it in his or her name.
A telecom operator removes the line from active service because a telecom consumer failed to use the SIM card for a regulatory-determined period of one year of inactivity. The line is no longer considered an active consumer line and may later be recycled and allocated to a new customer.
How Does a Line Become Churned?
According to Quality of Service (QoS) Business Rules:
- A consumer line may be partially barred if it has not been used for a Revenue Generating Event (RGE) for six months. Partial barring will only allow the inactive user to receive calls for another 6 months.
- If the inactivity continues for another six months after the partial barring (a total of 12 months), the operator may churn the line, and the consumer may lose the number
- The number can then be recycled and assigned to another consumer/subscriber.
What Counts as Activity on a Line?
A line is generally regarded as active when it generates revenue-related telecom activity within the regulatory period. Examples include:
- Making or receiving calls.
- Sending SMS.
- Using mobile data.
- Using USSD services.
- Other qualifying network activities.
The NCC has previously emphasized that active subscribers are those with revenue-generating activity within a specified period, often measured over 90 days for reporting purposes.
Why Do Operators Churn Lines?
Telecom operators churn inactive lines for several reasons:
- Due to inactivity caused by a consumer not carrying out a revenue-generating event or activity within one year days
- Inactivity due to consumer traveling out of the country for a period that falls within the regulatory-determined threshold set by the Quality of Service (QoS) Business Rules
- A consumer misplaces his line and fails to replace the missing medium for a period that qualifies for the inactivity milestone for churning as set by the Quality of Service (QoS) Business Rules
- A consumer fails to recharge, conduct any revenue-generating event for a period that falls within the inactivity threshold for churning as set in the Quality of Service (QoS) Business Rules.
What Happens When a Line is Churned?
When your line is churned:
- The line is deactivated, deregistered and sent back to the general number pool and reassign to another user, who will be required to register the number afresh in his or her name.
- The churned phone number may be assigned to another consumer/subscriber, after the required period of inactivity as set by the Quality of Service (QoS) Business Rules.
- You may lose access to services linked to that number, such as banking alerts, One-Time Passwords (OTPs), email verification codes and social media accounts if you have not updated your contact details or transactional profiles on such avenues and platforms.
Risks Associated with Churned Lines
Allowing your line to be churned may expose you to several risks, including:
- Where the last users fail to remove it from his transactional profiles in banks and other platforms, the new user will be getting his transactional notifications and information. You may also be unable to receive verification codes needed to access your online accounts
- Where the previous user had used the line for a loan facility, it may cause discomfort to the new user.
- Where the last user had used the line for any criminal activity such as extortion or negotiation for ransom, the new user may face law enforcement scrutiny.
- Privacy and security risks. If your number is churned is linked to your personal accounts, another person who receives the number may receive messages meant for you.
- Missed important communications. You may miss calls, text messages, business contacts, and other important notifications sent to the churned number that is not registered in your name after the churning. This will be from persons or entities that may not be aware of the churning of that line.
NCC's Response to Churn Risks
To address the challenges associated with churned numbers, the NCC introduced initiatives around the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS). The platform is intended to track churned, swapped, and barred numbers and help banks, fintechs, regulators, and security agencies verify the status of mobile numbers before relying on them for identity-related transactions.
The objective is to reduce:
- Identity theft
- Fraud involving recycled numbers
- KYC verification failures
- Security breaches arising from reassigned SIMs
How Telecom Consumers Can Avoid Losing Their Number
To prevent a line from being churned:
- Ensure your lines are active by carrying out revenue-generating activities;
- Make periodic calls or send SMS.
- Use mobile data occasionally.
- Replace misplaced, damaged and stolen lines immediately
- Park the line for a nominal fee for a year and extend further when necessary.
- Where churning has already happened, ensure all banking and transactional platforms are notified.
Your phone number is an important part of your digital identity. Losing it because of prolonged inactivity can affect your access to banking services, online accounts and other essential communications.
Buying airtime or data should be quick and easy. However, there are times when your bank account is debited, but the airtime or data is not delivered. This can be frustrating.
To improve the experience for consumers, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), banks, and other stakeholders, have developed a draft National Framework on Failed Airtime and Data Transactions. This Framework is designed to ensure that failed transactions are resolved quickly and fairly.
What is a Failed Airtime or Data Transaction?
A failed transaction happens when money is deducted from your bank account, but you do not receive the airtime or data you paid for.
What Should Happen If Transaction Fails?
The Framework requires Banks, mobile network operators, and other service providers to work together to detect failed transactions and process refunds as quickly as possible.
When a transaction fails, the refund process should begin automatically without requiring you to take extra steps in many cases.
What Can Cause a Failed Transaction?
Some common reasons include:
- Temporary network problems.
- System errors between Banks and Mobile Networks.
- Purchasing airtime or data during a service outage.
- Entering the wrong mobile number.
- Selecting the wrong mobile network.
The Framework introduces measures to reduce these problems and improve transaction success.
What Should You Do If You Don't Receive Your Airtime or Data?
If your account is debited and you do not receive the airtime or data:
- Check your SMS messages or banking app for any transaction updates.
- Wait a few minutes, as some transactions may still be processing.
- If the issue is not resolved, contact your Bank and provide details such as the transaction amount, phone number, date, and time of purchase.
- Carry out the instructions from your Bank guiding you on the next steps.
- Keep your transaction receipt or confirmation message until the issue is resolved.
Tips to Avoid Failed Airtime and Data Transactions
Before buying airtime or data, always:
- Confirm that you entered the correct phone number.
- Select the correct mobile network.
- Ensure you have a stable internet connection if using a banking or payment app.
Taking a few seconds to verify these details can help prevent unnecessary errors.
A Better Experience for Consumers
The National Framework promotes better coordination among Banks, Mobile network operators, and other service providers. It also encourages faster refunds, improved customer notifications, and clearer procedures for resolving complaints.
Know Your Rights
As a telecom consumer, you have the right to receive the service you paid for or have your issue resolved promptly when a transaction fails. If your complaint is not satisfactorily addressed by your bank or service provider, escalate it to the NCC.
Most use their phones every day, but only a few think about protecting the SIM card inside them. The following simple security steps can help keep your phone number and personal information safe.
What is a SIM?
A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a small digital card inserted into your mobile phone. It connects your phone to your mobile network and allows you to:
- Make and receive calls.
- Send and receive text messages.
- Use mobile data to browse the internet.
- Verify your identity.
- Provide access to services that need your phone number, such as mobile banking and one-time passwords (OTPs).
Without a SIM, many of these services will not work.
What is a SIM PIN?
A SIM PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a security code that protects your SIM card from unauthorized/illegal use. Once it is enabled, the PIN must be entered whenever your phone is switched off and switched on, or when your SIM card is inserted into another device.
Why is a SIM PIN Important?
Using a SIM PIN can help you:
- Protect your phone number from unauthorized use.
- Reduce the risk of fraud if your phone is lost or stolen.
- Keep your calls, text messages, and personal information more secure.
- Prevent criminals from using your SIM to access services linked to your phone number.
How to Set Up a SIM PIN
You can enable the use of the SIM PIN through your phone settings:
For Android
- Open Settings.
- Tap Security & Privacy or Passwords & Security (the name may vary by device).
- Select SIM Card Lock or More Security Settings.
- Turn on Lock SIM Card.
- Enter the current default SIM PIN provided by your Service Provider.
- You can then change it to a PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess.
For iPhone
- Open Settings.
- Tap Cellular or Mobile Data.
- Select SIM PIN.
- Turn on SIM PIN.
- Enter the current default SIM PIN provided by your Service Provider.
- If you wish, tap Change PIN to create a new one.
For Feature Phones
- Open ‘Settings’ under the ‘Menu’ icon.
- Tap Security or Phone Settings menu.
- Select SIM Lock, SIM PIN, or SIM Card Security.
- Turn on ‘SIM Lock’ to enable your SIM pin.
- Enter the current default SIM PIN provided by your Service Provider.
- If you wish, tap Change PIN to create a new one
Note: Keep your SIM PIN secure and do not share it with anyone. If you enter the wrong SIM PIN several times, your SIM card may become locked and require a PUK (Personal Unblocking Key) to unlock it. Keep your PUK information in a safe place or contact your mobile network operator if needed.
Tips to Keep Your SIM Safe
- Do not disclose or share your SIM PIN with anyone.
- Use a strong screen lock, such as a password, fingerprint, or facial recognition.
- Avoid using easy-to-guess PINs such as 1234 or your birth year.
- If your phone or SIM card is lost or stolen, contact your mobile network operator immediately to block the SIM and request a replacement.
A SIM PIN takes only a few minutes to set up, but it can help protect your phone number, personal information, and mobile services from unauthorized access. Combined with a secure phone screen lock, it is a simple step that can make a significant difference in keeping your digital life safe. Your SIM card is the key to many of your digital services. Protect them with a SIM PIN.
Telecom services have become part of our daily lives. When issues such as poor quality of service voice, billing, data depletion, or value-added service occur, it is important to know how to resolve them promptly to get value for your money.
The following is a guide to help you resolve telecom complaints in Nigeria.
Step 1: Complain to Your Service Provider First
Contact your Service Provider through:
• Dialing the Customer Care Helpline 300 on your Phone
• Visiting the Customer Care Centers
• Official email address of your Service Provider
• Any of the Social Media Platforms of Your Service Provider
Step 2: Get a Complaint Reference Number or Ticket Number
• Clearly explain the problem
• Ask for a reference or Ticket Number
• Save it for reference when you need to escalate to the NCC
• This number is your proof that the complaint was reported.
Some complaints are resolved at this stage.
Step 3: Allow Time for Resolution within Stipulated Timeline
Your Service Provider is required to:
• Work towards resolving it within the agreed time limit
Always wait for the resolution period given by your Service Provider before seeking redress from the NCC
If the issue is resolved, it is closed and no further action is needed.
Step 4: if Complaint is unresolved, contact the NCC
If your complaint is not resolved or you are dissatisfied with the response, you can escalate it to the (NCC).
You can contact NCC through:
• NCC 622 (Toll Free Line on all networks)
• The Consumer Affairs Bureau X Handle: @ConsumersNCC
• NCC X Handle: NgComCommission
• NCC Facebook and Instagram Platforms
• NCC Zonal Offices Nationwide
When escalating, include:
• Your complaint reference number or Ticket ID
• Details of the issue
• Actions already taken
• NCC will take up the matter with your Service Provider.
• Ensure to provide accurate and complete details to help speed up the process
Step 5: Track and Respond to Follow-up Requests
After escalation:
• Your Service Provider may reach out to resolve the issue
• Respond promptly to ensure faster resolution.
• Cooperation helps speed up the process.
Important Tips for Consumers
• Always use official channels
• Keep records of complaints and reference numbers or Ticket ID
• Avoid sharing personal information with unknown sources
Resolving telecom complaints does not have to be stressful. By following these steps starting with your Service Provider and escalating to the NCC when necessary, you can ensure your concerns are addressed effectively.
A data usage calculator is a tool that helps estimate the amount of internet or mobile data a consumer uses over a given period based on their online activities. It is designed to give users a clearer picture of whether their current data plan is sufficient or if they might need to upgrade to avoid overage charges.
Key Features
1. Activity Categories: It breaks down common online tasks such as streaming, browsing, gaming, video calls, and downloads.
2. Average Data Rates: Each activity is assigned an estimated data usage rate (for example, HD video streaming may consume about 3GB per hour, while music streaming may use around 100MB per hour).
3. User Input: It allows users to input the number of hours or frequency of each activity on a daily or monthly basis.
4. Automatic Calculation: The system multiplies time spent on each activity by its estimated data rate and aggregates the results to produce a total usage estimate.
5. Usage Results: The calculator displays projected daily or monthly data consumption in MB or GB and may also suggest suitable data plans based on the result.
How Does a Data Usage Calculator Work?
A data usage calculator functions by estimating internet consumption from different online activities such as streaming, browsing, gaming, and video calls. It applies standard data usage benchmarks to the time spent on each activity, calculates the totals, and generates an estimate of overall daily or monthly data usage.
Benefits of Using a Data Usage Calculator
1. Help Consumers Make Informed Decisions: Users can better understand their actual data needs before choosing a plan.
2. Promotes Value for Money: It helps avoid overpaying for unused data or underspending on inadequate plans.
3. Reduces Unexpected Data Depletion: Consumers are less likely to run out of data unexpectedly.
4. Encourages Responsible Usage Habits: It promotes awareness of how different online activities consume data.
Tips for Consumers
To maximize your data plan:
· Monitor your data usage regularly.
· Use Wi-Fi whenever it is available.
· Lower video streaming quality when possible.
· Disable unnecessary background app activity.
In conclusion, Data usage calculators are practical tools that empower consumers to manage their internet consumption and choose suitable data plans. By improving awareness of usage patterns, these tools enhance decision-making, promote efficient data management, and ensure better value for money.
Telecom consumers are advised to take advantage of such tools provided by their service providers. Informed users make better choices, and better choices lead to better digital experiences.
Value Added Services (VAS) are extra services provided by telecom operators beyond basic voice calls and short media messages (SMS). In Nigeria’s fast-growing digital space, VAS has become a major part of how consumers get informed, entertained, and perform financial services through their mobile phones. Understanding how these services work helps consumers make informed choices, avoid unwanted charges and enjoy the benefits of VAS safely.
What are Value Added Services (VAS)?
Value‑Added Services (VAS) are non‑core telecom services offered in addition to standard voice and data services. They include entertainment, information services, mobile banking, unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) services, content delivery, and more.
Services Classified as Value-Added Services
- Information/content services: news alerts, quizzes, games, ringtones, video streaming, product information, call center services, etc.
- Interactive services/applications: surveys, promotions, online games, location-based services.
- Commerce-related services: mobile money, e‑ticketing, e‑health, e‑
- SMS/USSD services: subscription alerts, educational content.
Value Added Service Structure
There are four major players in the VAS ecosystem
- Network Operators – provide the last‑mile connection to Subscribers/ Consumers
- Aggregators – central connection point between Network Operators and Content Providers.
- Content & Application Service Providers (CASPs) – host and distribute content using their own platforms.
- Developers – freelance creators of content (no license needed unless distributing).
Why VAS Matters to Consumers
VAS plays an important role in Nigeria’s digital economy and everyday communication. Its significance includes:
- Consumers access to information and services directly from their mobile devices without going physically to locations.
- VAS platforms support digital payments, transfers, and mobile banking services, helping individuals without traditional bank accounts participate in financial activities.
- VAS provides news updates, music, sports content, and educational materials, making mobile phones a hub for digital content consumption.
Consumer Rights and Protection
The NCC establishes rules such as the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations, 2024 that require Service Providers to:
- Obtain consumer consent before activating subscription services
- Provide clear information about pricing and renewal terms
- Offer easy opt-out or unsubscribe options
- Protect consumer data and privacy
Consumers have the right to report unauthorized subscriptions, billing errors, or misleading promotions through official complaint channels.
Common Consumer Challenges with VAS
Despite its benefits, some consumers experience challenges such as:
- Unintended subscription to paid services
- Difficulty unsubscribing from recurring services
- Lack of awareness of service charges
- Promotional messages
Awareness and proper monitoring of mobile accounts can help consumers avoid unnecessary costs.
Tips
To use VAS safely and effectively, consumers should:
- Always read subscription prompts carefully before confirming
- Regularly check airtime or data usage
- Use the unified opt-out code*305# to cancel/deactivate unwanted VAS services
- Text STOP to 2442 to stop all unsolicited SMS & calls
- Report suspicious deductions to their telecom provider
- Stay informed through official telecom consumer education platforms
Value Added Services have transformed Nigeria’s telecom industry by expanding access to digital services, financial tools, and information. While VAS offers convenience and innovation, consumer awareness remains essential for maximizing benefits and avoiding misuse. By understanding their rights and monitoring subscriptions, telecom consumers can fully enjoy the advantages of Nigeria’s evolving digital communication landscape.
Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII)
The Executive Order that was gazetted by the government in June 2024,
designating Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) in various sectors of the Nigerian Economy, including ICT systems in various sectors of the Nigerian economy, reflects the critical role these sectors play in national security and economic development.
In the telecoms sector, the Executive Order covers Information and Communications Technology (ICT) systems, networks, and infrastructure operating in Nigeria. They include telecommunications networks, base stations, fibre-optic cables, data centres, towers, internet exchange points, broadcasting systems, and other ICT facilities whose disruption could seriously hamper our everyday life. These are essential to the country’s security, economy, and public well-being.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) collaborates with security agencies and other relevant government institutions in playing a key role in promoting the protection of telecom-related CNII.
Why We Should Protect CNII
1. To safeguard national security: This is the protection of systems and services that help the government, security, and emergency response agencies to work effectively, as damage to CNII can delay emergency response, impede critical digital intelligence gathering, weaken coordination, and endanger lives.
2. To ensure continuity of essential services:Ensuring important services keep working without interruption, such as banking, healthcare, education, transportation, and government services. CNII supports services, as any disruption can paralyse these sectors and affect millions of people.
3. To support economic growth and the digital economy: To drive our digital economy, there is a heavy reliance on telecom infrastructures, which form part of CNII. Ensuring these infrastructures are protected enables businesses, mobile banking, e-commerce, and digital platforms to operate smoothly, thereby supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation.
4. To improve the quality of service and protect consumers:
Vandalism and interference with CNII lead to dropped calls, slow internet, and service outages. Protecting these assets ensures reliable networks and efficient services, which will improve the consumer’s quality of experience and ensure value for money spent.
5. To protect the huge national investments made by Operators/Government/Investors, etc
Telecom and ICT infrastructure require significant capital investment. Frequent damage increases costs, discourages expansion and investment, and raises the cost of services.
How do I Protect Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII)
1. Do not vandalise or tamper with telecom facilities.
2. Report suspicious activities.
3. When I notice theft, vandalism, or suspicious movement around telecom infrastructure, I report it to security agencies, community leaders, or service providers to prevent service disruption.
4. Support community awareness creation in the protection of CNII
5. Cooperate during installation and maintenance works.
6. Respect construction and right-of-way rules.
Protect the telecom infrastructure; it is a national asset. Report vandalism or any suspicious activity to or call NCC ‘622’ Toll Free Line.
The DoNotDisturb (DND) service is one of the most impactful consumer protection tool introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission(NCC) to address the persistent challenges of unsolicited messages and promotional communications in the telecom industry. It gives telecom consumers full control over the types of SMS alerts and marketing messages they receive on their mobile devices.
1. What is the DND Service?
The DND service is a service designed by the NCC (Nigerian Communications Commission) to protect Nigerian telecom consumers from unsolicited text messages. The service gives consumers the freedom to choose what messages they want to receive from various Service Providers when they activate the DND on their phone lines at no additional cost.
How to Use the DND Service
Telecom Consumers can activate or deactivate the DND service using the common short code 2442 across all networks.
i. To Activate Full DND
- Text STOP to 2442 to stop all unsolicited SMS & calls. Full DND does not allow the consumer to receive any unsolicited messages.
ii. To Activate Partial DND
- Text HELP to 2442. Partial DND allows the consumer to choose specific types of promotional/commercial communication messages they wish to receive, as follows;
- Text 1 to 2442 to receive Banking/Insurance/Financial Products.
- Text 2 to 2442 to receive Real Estate.
- Text 3 to 2442 to receive Education.
- Text 4 to 2442 to receive Health
- Text 5 to 2442 to receive Consumer Goods & Automobiles.
- Text 6 to 2442 to receive Communication/ Broadcasting/ Entertainment/IT
- Text 7 to 2442 to receive Tourism and Leisure.
- Text 8 to 2442 to receive Sports
- Text 9 to 2442 to receive Religion
- Text 10 to 2442 to receive Information on new products/services from the Service Provider
- Text 11 to 2442 to receive News Alerts
iii. Deactivate DND
Text ALLOW to 2442 to opt out entirely from DND.
iv. Check DND Status
Text STATUS 2442 to check and know your DND Status.
These options are simple, free, and accessible to all types of phones. (both feature phones/smart phones).
Telecom consumers are encouraged to use the service by texting STOP, HELP, ALLOW, or STATUS to 2442, depending on their preferences.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also introduced a unified code, of which *305# is the unified USSD code for Value-Added Services (VAS) across all mobile networks in Nigeria. This code enables consumers manage services that may be activated on their lines. Through this code (*305#), consumers can view their active VAS subscriptions and deactivate or opt out of any VAS they no longer want.
In addition to VAS management, consumers also have the ability to stop unsolicited /promotional messages by activating DoNotDisturb (DND) using the NCC-approved short code 2442.
Together, *305# and DND (2442) give consumers full control over unwanted deductions and unwanted promotional messaging:
- *305# helps stop unwanted charges by allowing consumers to opt out of any active VAS subscriptions.
- DND (2442) helps stop unsolicited/promotional SMS from Service Providers.
By using both tools, this combined approach ensures that consumers maintain complete control over both chargeable services and promotional content, resulting in a better consumer experience.
Note:Value-Added Services (VAS): They arenon-core mobile services offered by telecom operators that go beyond basic voice calls, SMS, and data. These services provide additional features in various forms of content, applications, alerts, entertainment, and interactive platforms delivered through mobile networks to enhance consumer experience