The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed a 12-month grace period for subscribers to reclaim unused airtime on deactivated lines. This proposal was revealed during a virtual stakeholder engagement forum in Abuja on Tuesday. Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, represented by Rimini Makama, the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, stated that the initiative aims to balance consumer rights with the operational realities of the telecommunications sector. Maida highlighted the significant role the telecommunications industry has played in driving Nigeria’s economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation. He pointed out that mobile services and the flexibility of prepaid plans have greatly benefited millions of Nigerians. However, with the industry’s evolving landscape, it has become crucial to address emerging challenges that may threaten consumer rights. Maida explained that the proposed framework targets unclaimed recharges from inactive accounts. The Quality-of-Service Business Rules 2024 require that a prepaid line without any revenue-generating activity for six months be deactivated. If inactivity persists for another six months, the line may be recycled. Under the new proposal, subscribers whose lines have been deactivated will have one year to reclaim their unused airtime, provided they can verify ownership. Maida emphasized that the initiative seeks to protect consumers while ensuring the telecommunications industry remains efficient and sustainable. 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.”