The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently hosted a stakeholder forum to discuss a draft guidance on unutilized and unclaimed subscribers’ recharges in the Nigerian communications sector.
The forum brought together industry stakeholders, including telecom companies and NCC staff, to refine the guidance and ensure it serves the needs of all parties involved.
In her welcome address, the Head Legal and Regulatory Services of NCC, Chizua Whyte, spelt out the contents of the draft guidance which proposes several key provisions to address the issue of unclaimed recharges.
Accordingly to her, a12-month window is proposed for affected subscribers to claim unutilized recharges after their lines have been churned, provided they can verify ownership.
Operators are also required to conduct comprehensive audits of all churned numbers and submit detailed documentation of all unclaimed and unutilized recharges.
Additionally, the draft guidance states that unclaimed recharges cannot be monetized but must be made available through service options to affected subscribers.
The NCC outlined a clear timeline for implementation, with operators expected to achieve full compliance within 90 days of issuance.
This will be accompanied by comprehensive consumer education and notification requirements.
The proposed guidance aims to balance consumer rights with operational practicality, ensuring that subscribers maintain access to their purchased credits while providing operators with regulatory clarity.
The NCC’s commitment to transparent and collaborative regulation is evident in this initiative, which seeks to create a fair and practical framework for managing unutilized and unclaimed recharges.
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