As more Nigerians move abroad for better prospects, many leave their Nigerian SIM cards inactive, often unaware of the risks.
This seemingly minor oversight can lead to SIM number recycling, potentially exposing former users to identity theft and financial fraud.
SIM card recycling is a legal practice in Nigeria.
According to Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), “a SIM card or a line left dormant for up to a year can be recycled and sold to a new user.”
To help prevent such issues, major Nigerian telecom providers—MTN, Glo, and 9Mobile—offer services allowing users to retain their numbers while abroad.
Here’s how each provider helps users stay connected and protected:
MTN: Keep My Number (KMN)
MTN subscribers can use the Keep My Number (KMN) service to retain their numbers for up to three years, even with inactivity. This service is available to all prepaid subscribers.
Subscription costs vary:
- 1 year: ₦511 (Dial *365*1# or SMS “KMN1” to 36500)
- 2 years: ₦819 (Dial *365*2# or SMS “KMN2” to 36500)
- 3 years: ₦1228 (Dial *365*3# or SMS “KMN3” to 36500)
Once payment is confirmed, your number is preserved for the chosen duration, eliminating worries about deactivation or reissuance.
Glo: ALWAYS ON Plan
For Glo users, the ALWAYS ON plan keeps your SIM active for 365 days, even without making calls, sending texts, or using data.
To activate:
- Dial *777#, select “ALWAYS ON” from the menu, and follow the prompts.
This service costs a one-time fee of ₦500, deducted from your main account balance. It’s ideal for travelers planning to be away for more than 90 days.
9Mobile: Extended SIM Validity
9Mobile users can maintain an active SIM through the Extended SIM Validity service, available for both prepaid and postpaid customers.
To subscribe:
- Recharge ₦500 and dial *539*1# or text “1” to 539.
- To check your subscription status, dial *539#.
This service extends SIM validity by one year, helping to prevent deactivation and recycling.
It’s crucial to understand that linking your phone number to your National Identification Number (NIN) does not prevent a dormant line from being recycled.
To avoid fraud and maintain access to vital services tied to your number—such as banking, emails, or social media—it’s essential to activate one of these SIM retention plans before traveling abroad.
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