NCC warns call masking threatens telecom industry, economy

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned that the resurgence of call masking activities poses a serious threat to the integrity, security and orderly development of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

The Commission’s Governing Board raised the concern during its 110th Meeting, where it reviewed a report on renewed call masking activities across the telecommunications ecosystem.

According to the Board, call masking undermines legitimate telecommunications operations, distorts industry revenues and could amount to economic sabotage, with potentially adverse consequences for the national economy.

The Board reiterated the NCC’s zero-tolerance position on the practice, describing it as unacceptable and a serious regulatory concern.

It also reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to collaborate with security and law-enforcement agencies, telecommunications operators and other relevant stakeholders to identify, prevent and ultimately eliminate call masking activities.

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The development comes amid broader regulatory efforts to strengthen the integrity, security and resilience of Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure while protecting legitimate industry operations and consumers.

The Board also considered a proposed repositioning initiative, examining its institutional, commercial and legal implications.

As part of the review, two assessments are expected to determine the feasibility and sustainability of the initiative.

The first will focus on human resources and institutional positioning, while the second will assess its commercial and legal viability.

The findings are expected to guide the Board’s decisions on the proposed repositioning and its long-term sustainability.

The Board said its deliberations aligned with the NCC’s broader regulatory objectives of promoting transparency, network resilience, digital trust, inclusive connectivity, consumer protection and fair competition.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing regulatory actions that support the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The statement was issued by the Office of the Commission Secretary following the 110th Meeting of the NCC Governing Board.