Announcements Business Economy News Society Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

NCC Launches Groundbreaking Protection for Nigerians’ Unused Airtime, Introduces 12-Month Recovery Window

 

In a historic move for Nigeria’s telecom sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) today announced sweeping reforms that will safeguard millions of naira in unused airtime from disappearing when phone lines are deactivated. The bold new protections, unveiled during a national stakeholder forum, represent the most significant consumer rights advancement in Nigeria’s digital age.

Speaking at the virtual gathering, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, NCC’s Head of Legal & Regulatory Services, painted a vivid picture of the human impact behind the policy shift. “We’re talking about market women who save for weeks to buy airtime, students rationing credit for online classes, and entrepreneurs depending on every naira for their business communications,” she said. “These aren’t just numbers on a balance sheet—they’re the lifeblood of Nigeria’s digital economy.”

The centerpiece of the new framework gives subscribers an unprecedented 12-month window to reclaim unused airtime after their line is deactivated, a dramatic departure from current industry practice where balances vanish immediately. Telecom operators will now be required to preserve these funds and offer affected customers options to convert them into usable services like call minutes, data bundles, or other value-added offerings.

Mrs. Whyte emphasized that the reforms address a longstanding injustice in the sector, where an estimated ₦3 billion in subscriber airtime goes unclaimed annually. “This is about restoring fairness and transparency,” she told attendees. “When Nigerians pay for services, they deserve to know their money is protected—even if life circumstances temporarily take them offline.”

“Today, Nigeria sends a clear message that in our digital economy, every naira counts and every subscriber matters.” The Commission continues to welcome public input through its website until May 15, ensuring final guidelines reflect the needs of all stakeholders.

The policy introduces rigorous new requirements for telecom providers, including mandatory pre-deactivation notifications to warn subscribers about impending service termination and clear instructions for reclaiming balances. Operators will also face stringent auditing requirements, compelling them to maintain detailed records of all unclaimed balances and submit regular reports to the NCC.

Consumer advocates at the forum welcomed the changes, sharing emotional testimonies about the real-world impact. Nurse Adeola K. described losing ₦8,500 during a hectic hospital rotation, while tech entrepreneur Emeka O. noted the policy finally aligns telecom practices with the financial accountability expected in other sectors.Unused different smart phones | Premium AI-generated PSD

Implementation will move swiftly, with operators given just 90 days from the policy’s final adoption to establish compliant systems. The NCC plans to support the transition with public awareness campaigns, including multilingual FAQs and social media guides to help Nigerians navigate the new protections.

As the forum concluded, Mrs. Whyte issued a powerful reminder of the policy’s broader significance: “Today, Nigeria sends a clear message that in our digital economy, every naira counts and every subscriber matters.” The Commission continues to welcome public input through its website until May 15, ensuring final guidelines reflect the needs of all stakeholders.

For millions of Nigerian telecom users, the reforms promise something simple yet revolutionary—the peace of mind that their hard-earned airtime will no longer vanish without recourse. As the policy takes effect in coming months, subscribers are encouraged to watch for notifications from their providers and visit NCC platforms for guidance on claiming past balances.

This landmark decision positions Nigeria as a regional leader in consumer-focused telecom regulation, proving that robust protections can coexist with a thriving digital marketplace. The NCC’s bold stance sets a new standard for putting people first in Africa’s largest telecom sector.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Business Economy Finance Fintech

CBN Governor Cardoso Highlights Nigeria’s Economic Progress, Reform Commitment at IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings

post-image

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu


At the close of the 2025 International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C., Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso delivered an optimistic and reform-driven message at a media briefing with Nigerian journalists, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth.

Addressing the press, Governor Cardoso described the week as one of “highly productive engagements” with global financial leaders, international investors, and members of the Nigerian diaspora. According to him, the CBN delegation leveraged the global forum to spotlight Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms and to explore strategies to deepen stability, enhance the financial sector, and stimulate broad-based growth.

“Thanks to the steps taken over the past 18 months, we have strengthened our monetary buffers and positioned Nigeria to better…

Read More
Business Culture Economy

Nnewi-Born Industrialist, Dr. Stella Okoli, Set To Commission ₦35 Billion Pharmaceutical Factory in Ogun State

post-image

 

 

By Ada Lilian Sunday

From the industrious heartland of Nnewi in Anambra State, a town renowned for producing some of Nigeria’s most formidable entrepreneurs, comes yet another monumental achievement that reinforces the legacy of enterprise that defines the region. Dr. Stella Chinyelu Okoli, founder and Group Managing Director of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., is set to unveil a ₦35 billion Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) manufacturing facility in Sagamu, Ogun State — a project that not only highlights her entrepreneurial foresight but also signals a bold step towards Nigeria’s pharmaceutical self-reliance.

Dr. Okoli’s journey is one deeply rooted in the enterprising spirit of Nnewi, often referred to as the “Japan of Africa” for its robust manufacturing culture. As a daughter of the soil, she has not only upheld but also elevated the town’s proud tradition of innovation and industrial excellence. With over four decades of business leadership, she has transformed Emzor from…

Read More
Business Economy Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Oluremi Tinubu Commissions Cutting-Edge IT Centre in Honour of Onikepo Akande, Announces Rollout of 10 Additional Centres Nationwide to Drive Tech Inclusion and Economic Growth

post-image

In a historic and forward-looking event, Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, officially commissioned a modern Information Technology (IT) Centre named in honour of a distinguished Nigerian icon, Mrs. Onikepo Akande. The facility, situated in a strategic location within the state, is designed to serve as a springboard for digital empowerment, particularly targeting women and young people—two demographic groups that have long been underserved in Nigeria’s rapidly advancing tech ecosystem.

The well-attended ceremony brought together prominent government officials, traditional leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, tech stakeholders, youth groups, and women-led organisations who all gathered to witness the unveiling of what is expected to become a landmark centre for skills acquisition and digital transformation.

In her keynote address, the First Lady underscored the importance of digital literacy and innovation in the…

Read More
Announcements Business Economy

ProvidusBank Launches N50 Billion Commercial Paper Program for Investor Subscription: A Crucial Move for Nigeria’s Economy

post-image

ProvidusBank, one of Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, has announced the launch of a N50 billion commercial paper program, offering investors the opportunity to subscribe to short-term debt securities issued by the bank. The program, which will be available for investor subscriptions, is aimed at raising funds to support the bank’s growth and operations while contributing to the broader stability and growth of Nigeria’s economy.

Key Features of the Commercial Paper Program

The N50 billion commercial paper program is designed to raise funds for general corporate purposes, including working capital needs and the funding of key projects. The program will provide investors with a secure investment avenue while ensuring that ProvidusBank maintains the financial strength necessary to drive its operations and support Nigeria’s economic development.

The commercial paper is being offered with attractive interest rates and…

Read More
Business Culture Economy

FG, WORLD BANK UNITE TO DIGITALLY EMPOWER YOUNG NIGERIANS AND DRIVE JOB CREATION

post-image

On the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings and following the institution’s Development Committee session, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reaffirmed Nigeria’s collaboration with the World Bank to advance a shared agenda focused squarely on creating high-quality jobs for young Nigerians.

“Employment generation must be a central pillar of development,” Mr. Edun told journalists, highlighting that Finance Ministers—who serve as the Bank’s Governors—have collectively made this their top priority. “This aligns seamlessly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places job creation at the core of our economic revitalization efforts.”

Mr. Edun underscored the pivotal role of multilateral financial institutions in shaping these global development priorities. “We are scaling up efforts with the World Bank to create sustainable jobs and stimulate inclusive growth,” he said, adding that…

Read More
Business Economy Technology Technology Trends Telecoms Travels Trends

Capacity Crowds Mark Monumental Opening of GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore – Cementing New Era For Asia’s Tech Industry 

post-image

 

  • The region’s largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event is officially underway at Marina Bay Sands after action-packed opening day

 

After weeks of increasing anticipation among the regional and international tech communities, the first-ever GITEX ASIA x Ai Everything Singapore began in blistering fashion on Wednesday as capacity crowds enjoyed an action-packed opening day agenda. Organised by Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and KAOUN International in affiliation with GITEX GLOBAL, the Asian inaugural edition of the world’s largest show is running at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore from April 23-25.

Under the theme ‘Advancing Bold Partnerships in Asia‘, the region’s largest inaugural tech, startup, and digital investments event welcomes 700 enterprises and award-winning startups from 20 industry sectors and 70 countries. Alongside 400 global expert speakers and 250 leading investors managing US$200 billion in assets under management (AUM), it stands to present unparalleled access to new markets, capital, talent, relationships, and…

Read More
Business Economy Finance Fintech

SANEF’s Uche Uzoebo Highlights AI as Next Frontier in Advancement of Financial Inclusion

post-image

With progress made in accelerating financial inclusion to unbanked and underbanked communities in Nigeria, the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF) has posited Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the next step to advancement in financial services in the country.

Speaking at the just concluded Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0), Uche Uzoebo (Mrs.), MD/CEO, SANEF Limited, noted that as technology evolves rapidly within the financial ecosystem, Financial Inclusion must continue to be at the center of the nation’s progress.

According to her, agent banking has been a game-changer in expanding financial inclusion across Nigeria. “By deploying agents in underserved areas, we have brought financial services and banking products such as account opening, cash in, cash out, bill payment, transfers and other services closer to the unbanked and underserved.”

With the Agent Banking model, SANEF has bridged critical gaps by reducing the need for long queues…

Read More
Business Economy

“You Can Reinvent Yourself in Just Four Years,” Says Moppet Foods CEO Roberta Edu Oyedokun

post-image

Mrs. Roberta Edu Oyedokun, CEO of Moppet Baby Food Firm in Lagos, has shared an inspiring personal revelation about career transformation and self-development. While drafting a professional profile recently, she realized how much her career had evolved in just four years—a testament, she says, to the power of consistency and resilience.

In her reflection, Mrs. Oyedokun highlighted her current achievements: driving Moppet Foods’ expansion into major retail chains, securing government-backed partnerships with Community Health Centers, and forging alliances with NGOs. She also serves as an Ambassador for the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme, advocating for family health access.

What struck her, however, was the absence of any mention of her previous decade-long experience in engineering, technology, media, and production. “Imagine if I didn’t have a profile before now,” she mused. “Yet, in my 30s, I built this resounding profile in just four years.”

Addressing those who might doubt such rapid transformation, she…

Read More