Precious Nwonu, Enugu
The Nigerian Communications Commission has raised fresh concerns over the resurgence of call masking in the telecommunications sector, warning that the practice could pose security risks and undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s communication networks.
The commission also said call masking could result in revenue losses for legitimate telecommunications operators and the government by allowing international calls to be presented as local traffic.
The warning followed the 110th meeting of the NCC Governing Board held on September 9, 2026, where members reviewed developments in the industry and expressed concern over the renewed activities.
Call masking refers to the practice of disguising an international call so that it appears to originate from a Nigerian telephone number or, in some cases, a shortcode.
According to the NCC, the practice allows those behind the calls to avoid higher international termination charges by paying rates applicable to local calls.
Beyond the financial implications, the commission said the ability to conceal the actual identity and origin of callers could create opportunities for fraud and other unlawful activities.
The NCC Governing Board reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on call masking, describing it as an unacceptable practice and a serious regulatory concern.
The commission said, “Call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations and distorts industry revenues. The practice constitutes an act of economic sabotage capable of adversely impacting the national economy.”
The NCC noted that masked calls can make it difficult to identify and trace the parties involved because temporary or proxy numbers may be displayed instead of the caller’s actual number.
Although call masking technology can serve legitimate purposes, the commission said its abuse could facilitate fraudulent activities and anonymous communications, including communications exploited by criminal networks seeking to conceal their identities.
The NCC said the practice had remained a regulatory challenge despite previous sanctions imposed on telecommunications operators over related violations.
In response to the latest resurgence, the commission said it would strengthen collaboration with security and law-enforcement agencies, as well as other industry stakeholders, to identify and stop call masking activities.
The renewed regulatory efforts come alongside the deployment of technology aimed at improving security, compliance and trust within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.
The NCC said its Device Management System is now operational and will strengthen compliance with type-approval requirements while helping to prevent non-compliant devices from circulating in the country.
The system will also support efforts to combat mobile phone theft by enabling reported stolen devices to be blocked across Nigerian telecommunications networks.
The commission also disclosed that the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System is scheduled to become operational in October 2026.
The platform is expected to strengthen the management of telecommunications identities, including mobile numbers, and reduce risks associated with their misuse, reassignment and recycling.
The NCC said stronger identity management had become increasingly important as mobile numbers are now linked to financial transactions, social platforms and other digital services.
It added that the deployment of the regulatory technology platforms would take into consideration consumer protection, lawful digital services, privacy and data protection requirements.
Meanwhile, the commission reported progress in the expansion of telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
Mobile network operators have deployed 8,526 of the 12,179 additional coverage and capacity sites they committed to provide, representing about 70 per cent of the target.
The figure marks an increase from the approximately 5,000 sites reported at the previous Governing Board meeting.
However, the NCC said fibre cuts contributed to a significant increase in network disruptions in June, highlighting the need for stronger protection of critical telecommunications infrastructure.
The commission is also working with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to improve students’ access to digital learning through the zero-rating of educational platforms and content.
The initiative was officially launched on September 10, with October 1, 2026, set as the Go-Live date.
The NCC said it would continue to implement regulatory measures aimed at improving network resilience, digital trust, consumer protection, fair competition and inclusive connectivity as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand.