By AS more Nigerians “japa” in search of greener pastures, many abandon their local SIM cards, unaware of the risks they’re taking. It’s not just about losing touch with family and friends; unused lines in Nigeria can be recycled, legally, after a year of inactivity.
The consequences? From missing important OTPs to becoming a victim of identity theft and financial fraud.
Your old phone number linked to your bank, email, and social media can be reassigned to a stranger. But don’t panic. Nigerian telecom operators now offer solutions for travellers and emigrants who wish to keep their lines active while abroad. Here’s how major networks such as MTN, Glo, and 9Mobile can help you protect your number and your digital identity:
MTN: Keep My Number (KMN)
If you’re an MTN subscriber, the “Keep My Number” service lets you retain your line for up to three years without using it.
This service is available to all prepaid users and comes at a modest cost:
- 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, your number is secured for the selected period. You won’t need to make calls or send texts to keep it active.
Glo: ALWAYS ON Plan
Glo offers a straightforward solution for its users with the “ALWAYS ON” plan. For a one-time fee of ₦500, your line remains active for 365 days, no matter how long it’s unused.
To subscribe:
- Dial *777#
- Choose “ALWAYS ON” and follow the prompts
This plan is especially useful for Nigerians travelling for extended periods—students, workers, or even those on long medical trips.
9Mobile: Extended SIM Validity
9Mobile’s “Extended SIM Validity” service helps users maintain their lines for one year with a simple recharge and subscription.
Here’s how:
- Recharge ₦500
- Dial 5391# or text “1” to 539
- To confirm your status, dial *539#
Both prepaid and postpaid customers can use this service. It’s designed to prevent disconnection and recycling of numbers during your time away.
NIN Linkage Isn’t Enough
Many Nigerians mistakenly believe that linking their SIM cards to their National Identification Number (NIN) protects them from disconnection. Sadly, this isn’t true. Once a SIM card is dormant for a prolonged period—typically 6 to 12 months—it can be deactivated and reassigned, whether it’s linked to NIN or not.
Why This Matters
Losing your Nigerian phone number isn’t just an inconvenience—it can disconnect you from essential services. Think about your mobile banking apps, two-factor authentications for email and social media, and even government portals. Without access to your line, these services become difficult—or impossible—to use.
So before you board that flight or settle into your new country, take a moment to activate one of these SIM retention services. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind and continued connection.
Source: TRIBUNE ONLINE
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