As more Nigerians travel abroad in search of better opportunities, many leave their mobile phone lines inactive — a seemingly harmless decision that could have serious consequences.
Telecommunications experts warn that inactive SIM cards are often recycled by network operators, exposing former users to risks such as identity theft and financial fraud.
SIM card recycling is permitted under Nigerian law. According to Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), “a SIM card or line left dormant for up to a year can be recycled and sold to a new user.”
To address this, major telecom operators in Nigeria — MTN, Glo, and 9Mobile — have introduced services that allow Nigerians living abroad to keep their phone numbers active.
MTN – Keep My Number (KMN)
MTN subscribers can retain their numbers for up to three years using the Keep My Number (KMN) service, which is available to all prepaid users.
Subscription options include:
1 Year: ₦511 (Dial 3651# or send “KMN1” to 36500)
2 Years: ₦819 (Dial 3652# or send “KMN2” to 36500)
3 Years: ₦1,228 (Dial 3653# or send “KMN3” to 36500)
Once payment is made, the number remains active for the chosen duration, with no risk of deactivation or reassignment.
Glo – ALWAYS ON Plan
Glo subscribers can activate the ALWAYS ON plan to keep their lines active for 365 days without making calls, sending texts, or using data.
To subscribe, dial *777#, select “ALWAYS ON,” and follow the prompts.
The service costs a one-time fee of ₦500, deducted from your main balance.
9Mobile – Extended SIM Validity
9Mobile users can extend their SIM validity for one year with a simple recharge and activation.
Recharge ₦500 and dial 5391# or text “1” to 539 to activate.
To check your status, dial *539#.
This service is open to both prepaid and postpaid customers and ensures the line remains active and safe from recycling.
It is important to note that linking your line to your National Identification Number (NIN) does not prevent deactivation due to dormancy. Once a line remains unused for a long time, it still qualifies for recycling.
To avoid disconnection from important services such as banking, email, and social media, Nigerians abroad are strongly advised to activate any of these retention services before or shortly after leaving the country.
