• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
Subscribers get  New Ultimatum to Reclaim Airtime on Deactivated Lines

Subscribers get New Ultimatum to Reclaim Airtime on Deactivated Lines

2023: Yoruba Elders Decide On Tinubu’s Presidency Ambition

Breaking: APC Governors endorse Tinubu as 2027 Sole Presidential Candidate

Peter Obi attends Pope’s inauguration in Rome to beg Tinubu over Fidelity Bank’s N225bn Debt Crisis – Report

Peter Obi debunk meeting Tinubu in Rome over alleged N225bn Fidelity Bank debt

FULL LIST: Dangote Refinery slashes Petrol Prices across Nigeria

FULL LIST: Dangote Refinery slashes Petrol Prices across Nigeria

Court stops Senate disciplinary action against Natasha Akpoti

Akpabio, Yahaya Bello to testify as Nigerian Govt files Criminal Charges Against Natasha

Canada, France, UK Impose Sanctions on Israel over Gaza war

Canada, France, UK Impose Sanctions on Israel over Gaza war

Peter Obi attends Pope’s inauguration in Rome to beg Tinubu over Fidelity Bank’s N225bn Debt Crisis – Report

Peter Obi attends Pope’s inauguration in Rome to beg Tinubu over Fidelity Bank’s N225bn Debt Crisis – Report

FULL LIST: 42 Countries Eligible to Enter China Without Visa

FULL LIST: 42 Countries Eligible to Enter China Without Visa

Nigerian Senate denies viral kiss video says not one of Them

How National Assembly Illegally inserts projects worth N6.93trn into 2025 budget – Report

JAMB Announces Date to release UTME Result for resit Candidates

JAMB Announces Date to release UTME Result for resit Candidates

Hoodlums attacked Pasuma in Osun, sparking tensions

Hoodlums attacked Pasuma in Osun, sparking tensions

Implications of Signing Court Processes with Name of Law Firm in Lieu of Lawyer’s Name in Nigeria

Implications of Signing Court Processes with Name of Law Firm in Lieu of Lawyer’s Name in Nigeria

ASUU To Sue JAMB Over UTME Mass Failure

ASUU To Sue JAMB Over UTME Mass Failure

  • About Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Editorial Policy
Friday, May 23, 2025
  • Login
iDeemlawful
  • Home
  • News
  • Featured
  • Politics
  • Life Style
  • Advertise with Us
  • Opinion
  • Campus
No Result
View All Result
iDeemlawful
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result
iDeemlawful
  • Home
  • News
  • Featured
  • Politics
  • Commentary
  • Editorial
  • Campus
Home Business News

Subscribers get New Ultimatum to Reclaim Airtime on Deactivated Lines

by iDeemlawful
April 9, 2025
A A
Subscribers get  New Ultimatum to Reclaim Airtime on Deactivated Lines
FacebookTwitterWhatsapp

The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama, said the initiative is part of efforts to balance consumer rights with operational realities in the telecommunications sector.

The Nigerian Communications Commission has proposed a 12-month grace period for subscribers to reclaim unused airtime on deactivated lines.

The proposal was disclosed during a virtual stakeholder engagement forum held in Abuja on Tuesday.

RelatedPosts

MTN explains Why Data Plans Quickly Finish says ‘No Reason To Steal’

‘You dey vex. We know’ – MTN reacts after 15GB 200% data Price Hike

NLC suspends nationwide protest as New Arrangement Reached With FG on Telecom Tariff Hike

NLC rejects 50% increase, proposes new rates for Call, Data, SMS

Maida said the telecommunications industry has played a significant role in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation in Nigeria.

According to him, the prevalence of mobile services and the flexibility offered by prepaid plans have benefitted millions of Nigerians.

However, with the evolving landscape, it has become necessary to address emerging challenges that could undermine consumer rights.

He explained that the proposed framework seeks to address the issue of unclaimed recharges when accounts become inactive.

Maida noted that the Quality-of-Service Business Rules 2024 stipulates that a prepaid line without a revenue-generating event for six months must be deactivated.

If the inactivity continues for another six months, the line may be recycled.

He stated that under the new framework, subscribers whose lines have been churned would have a one-year window to claim their unused airtime, provided they can verify ownership.

Maida added that the initiative is geared towards balancing consumer protection with the practicalities of maintaining an efficient telecommunications industry.

He said, “The debate remains whether operators should be required to refund unused airtime or whether the principle of ‘use it or lose it’ should prevail. Our goal is to establish a framework that protects consumers while ensuring the continued efficiency and competitiveness of the industry.”

Also speaking at the event, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Mrs Chizua Whyte, said the Draft Guidance on Unutilised and Unclaimed Subscribers’ Recharges is a critical step in fulfilling the commission’s mandate to develop regulatory instruments that foster a vibrant communications market.

Listing the key provisions of the draft guidelines, she said, “Firstly, establishing a 12-month window during which affected subscribers can claim unutilised recharges after their lines have been churned, provided they can verify ownership. This balances consumer rights with operational practicality.

“Secondly, requiring operators to conduct comprehensive audits of all churned numbers and submit detailed documentation of all unclaimed and unutilised recharges, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

“Thirdly, directing that unclaimed recharges cannot be monetised but must be made available through service options to the affected subscribers, including voice offerings, data plans, and value-added services on the primary network.”

Whyte said the issue of unutilised and unclaimed recharges on churned subscriber lines poses both a consumer protection challenge and a regulatory opportunity.

She noted that when subscribers are disconnected after extended periods of inactivity as defined by the Quality of Service Regulations, many leave behind unused credits.

She explained that the proposed guidance would ensure that subscribers maintain rightful access to their purchased credits while providing operators with regulatory clarity.

She said that unclaimed airtime would not be monetised but made available to affected subscribers through services such as voice offerings, data plans, and value-added services.

Whyte further stated that the commission expects full compliance from operators within 90 days of the issuance of the guidance, alongside comprehensive consumer education and notification requirements.

She said the initiative aligns with international best practices, as seen in countries like the United States, the European Union, and India, where transparency and service alternatives are prioritised over cash refunds.

She added that the commission is committed to fostering a fair, transparent, and consumer-centric telecommunications landscape.

According to her, the engagement forum provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights that would shape the final framework

Tags: 9mobileAirtelGlobacomMTNNCC
Previous Post

US Orders Deportation of Migrants Who Used ‘Biden-Era App’

Next Post

How Boy in Viral Photo after Standing in Front of Peter Obi Campaign Convoy Landed in Prison

iDeemlawful

iDeemlawful

Related Posts

FULL LIST: Dangote Refinery slashes Petrol Prices across Nigeria
Business News

FULL LIST: Dangote Refinery slashes Petrol Prices across Nigeria

Nigeria Pays Back all N2.59trn IMF Debt
Business News

Nigeria Pays Back all N2.59trn IMF Debt

FCCPC Replies  Meta’s threat to Quit Nigeria over ₦220 Million Fine
Business News

FCCPC Replies Meta’s threat to Quit Nigeria over ₦220 Million Fine

NNPC reduces NMDPRA fee Per-Litre petrol in New Pricing Template
Business News

$3bn Refinery Fraud: N80bn found in sacked MD’s Bank Accounts

15 Die in Kwara road Accident
Business News

Easter: Jubilations As Kwara Workers Receive April Salaries

Can Nigerians still Placed Fund Withdrawal? – What you need to know as CBEX crashes
Business News

Can Nigerians still Placed Fund Withdrawal? – What you need to know as CBEX crashes

Angry Youths loot CBEX Office in Ibadan [Video]
Business News

Angry Youths loot CBEX Office in Ibadan [Video]

Masquerades lead Protest in Kwara over ‘Outrageous’ Electricity Charges
Business News

Masquerades lead Protest in Kwara over ‘Outrageous’ Electricity Charges

MTN explains Why Data Plans Quickly Finish says ‘No Reason To Steal’
Business News

MTN explains Why Data Plans Quickly Finish says ‘No Reason To Steal’

Why Tinubu sacked Mele Kyari, NNPCL Board – Officials
Business News

Why Tinubu sacked Mele Kyari, NNPCL Board – Officials

Load More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

iDeemlawful

Copyright © 2019–2025 Deemlawful Media

  • About Us
  • Advertise with Us
  • Editorial Policy

Connect With Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Featured
  • Politics
  • Life Style
  • Advertise with Us
  • Opinion
  • Campus

Copyright © 2019–2025 Deemlawful Media

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In