The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has raised concerns over the resurgence of call masking in Nigeria, warning that the practice could undermine telecom revenues, national security and the integrity of the country’s communications system.
The regulator described call masking as a serious regulatory issue and an act of economic sabotage that could have wider consequences for the Nigerian economy. It also made it clear that the practice would not be tolerated.
The warning was contained in a communiqué issued after the 110th meeting of the NCC Board and signed by the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha.
Call masking refers to the manipulation or concealment of a caller’s actual number or identity, making a call appear to have come from a different number or location.
The NCC said the renewed use of the practice was particularly troubling because of its potential impact on the security and orderly development of the telecommunications industry.
The Commission said call masking distorts legitimate telecom operations and affects the way industry revenues are generated and accounted for. According to the regulator, the practice could ultimately have an adverse effect on the wider national economy.
The NCC said it would step up efforts to trace and stop those involved in call masking across the country’s telecommunications networks.
It also plans to work with security and law enforcement agencies, alongside telecommunications operators and other industry stakeholders, to identify, prevent and eliminate the practice.
NCC strengthens telecom security with new technology
The warning comes as the NCC continues to introduce technology driven measures aimed at improving security and trust within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The Commission said its Device Management System, DMS, is now operational and will help strengthen compliance with device type approval requirements, limit the circulation of non compliant phones and support efforts to tackle mobile device theft.
The system will also make it possible for reported stolen phones to be blocked across Nigerian telecommunications networks, making it more difficult for stolen devices to be used.
The NCC further disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System, TIRMS, and its related business rules are expected to become operational in October 2026.
The system is designed to improve the management of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, while reducing risks linked to their misuse, reassignment and recycling.
The Commission said stronger safeguards are increasingly important as mobile phone numbers become closely connected to financial accounts, social platforms and other digital services used by millions of Nigerians.
The latest measures form part of the NCC’s broader efforts to strengNCC Warns of Rising Call Masking Threat in Nigeria
then the security of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure and protect users while maintaining confidence in the country’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
