The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) hosted a crucial virtual Stakeholder Engagement Forum on Unclaimed Recharges on April 8, 2025, where stakeholders from the telecommunications sector gathered to deliberate on addressing challenges related to unutilized and unclaimed prepaid balances. Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, through Rimini Makama, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, welcomed participants, emphasizing the importance of the issue in safeguarding consumer rights and maintaining regulatory oversight.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Maida highlighted that the telecommunications industry, a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic growth and financial inclusion, must adapt to emerging challenges to ensure continued sustainability. He pointed out the growing concern regarding prepaid balances that remain unclaimed when accounts become inactive. As per the Quality-of-Service Business Rules of 2024, prepaid lines without a revenue-generating event for six months must be deactivated, and if inactivity persists, the lines may be recycled. However, subscribers retain the right to reclaim unused credit within a year, provided they can verify ownership.
The forum sparked a critical debate around whether telecom operators should refund unused airtime or uphold the “use it or lose it” principle. Dr. Maida stressed the need to strike a balance between protecting consumers and fostering an efficient, competitive industry. He encouraged open discussions to arrive at a framework that addresses these concerns while ensuring regulatory clarity.
Mrs. Chizua Whyte, the NCC’s Head of Legal & Regulatory Services, followed with detailed insights on the draft guidance for managing unutilized and unclaimed subscriber funds. The guidance proposes a 12-month window for consumers to claim unused balances after their lines are deactivated, ensuring transparency and operational clarity for both consumers and operators. She explained that operators must submit audits of churned lines and refrain from monetizing unclaimed recharges. Instead, these funds must be made available to subscribers through alternative services such as data plans, voice offerings, or other value-added services.
The forum underscored the NCC’s commitment to creating a regulatory environment that prioritizes consumer protection while fostering industry growth. The draft guidance also sets out a 90-day implementation timeline, with strict penalties for non-compliance. Stakeholders were encouraged to contribute their insights and feedback, which will shape the final regulatory framework.
This forum marks a significant step towards ensuring that the Nigerian telecommunications sector remains transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of consumers while aligning with international best practices.
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