The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and consumer protection in addressing the issue of unclaimed prepaid airtime recharges. Speaking at a stakeholder engagement forum focused on the matter, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, emphasized the need to strike a balance between safeguarding consumer rights and maintaining the sustainability of the telecom industry.
Dr. Maida acknowledged the importance of prepaid mobile services in Nigeria, highlighting their role in promoting economic growth, digital inclusion, and service affordability for millions of Nigerians. However, he noted that as the industry evolves, new challenges—such as how to handle unused airtime on inactive lines—have emerged.
According to the 2024 Quality-of-Service Business Rules, prepaid lines with no revenue-generating activity for six months are subject to deactivation. If inactivity continues for another six months, the lines may be recycled. Nevertheless, consumers retain the right to reclaim their unused airtime within a one-year window, provided they can prove ownership of the line.
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The key question at the heart of ongoing discussions, Dr. Maida said, is whether telecom operators should be mandated to refund unused airtime or if the “use it or lose it” principle should be maintained. He called for collaborative input from stakeholders to shape a practical regulatory framework that protects consumers while ensuring the sector remains efficient and competitive.
“The Commission remains committed to fostering a fair, transparent, and consumer-centric telecommunications landscape,” Maida said. “This forum provides a platform to refine our policies to align with the dynamic nature of the market.”
He urged participants to engage openly and constructively, assuring that their insights would contribute meaningfully to shaping the Commission’s regulatory approach on the issue of unclaimed recharges.
Read Also:NCC Proposes 12-month Grace Period for Telecom Subscribers
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