Many Nigerians are expressing frustration after discovering that their newly purchased SIM cards are registered under the names of previous owners. Despite complying with government requirements by submitting their National Identification Numbers (NIN) and biometric data, users like Victory Ibezim and Nkechinyere Nso found that their active lines displayed the identities of strangers. This trend has drawn criticism toward the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecommunications providers for failing to adequately scrub data from reclaimed phone numbers.
Mobile numbers have evolved into essential digital keys linked to bank accounts, financial technology wallets, and various online services. Consequently, the persistence of old identities on recycled SIMs creates significant security vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of financial fraud and identity theft. In response to these concerns, the NCC has proposed the Telecoms Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS), a platform intended to flag suspicious numbers and improve how operators manage churned lines.
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) insists that the issue does not stem from the national database. Director-General Abisoye Coker-Odusote noted that the NIN system is secured by robust biometric verification, meaning any identity errors likely originate from internal telecommunications company processes. MTN Nigeria executive Tobechukwu Okigbo suggested that the problem is compounded because banks and merchant platforms often fail to update records when numbers are recycled. He emphasized the need for better communication between telcos and financial institutions to ensure old accounts are delinked promptly.
Consumer advocates and cybersecurity professionals are calling for greater coordination between regulators, banks, and security agencies. As the digital economy in Nigeria grows, experts argue that restoring public confidence will require more than policy updates; it demands a unified effort to ensure that a recycled SIM truly offers a fresh start rather than a gateway to a stranger’s digital history.
