Illustration of mobile network connection troubleshooting

Your Network Provider Could Disconnect Your Line. Here's How to Stop It

Last updated: 7 November 2026

You paid for your SIM, you've had the number for years, and your bank, your WhatsApp and half your contacts know it by heart. Then one day your calls stop going through, and you find out the line has been barred or recycled and given to someone else.

This happens to Nigerians every year, and most of it is preventable. Lines can be lost for two main reasons: the SIM is not properly linked to a NIN, or it has been inactive for too long. Here is how to protect yours.

Why networks disconnect lines

The first reason is a NIN problem. The NCC confirmed that lines not linked to a NIN were blocked by MTN, Airtel, Globacom and others. Some people were barred even after registering, because the details on the SIM did not match the details in the NIN database.

The second reason is inactivity. A SIM that goes unused for long enough can be recycled and sold to someone else, and you lose access to your bank alerts, WhatsApp and every other service tied to that number.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), a line may be partially barred after six months without a Revenue Generating Event (RGE). If the inactivity continues for another six months, making a total of 12 months, the operator may churn the line and eventually return the number to the pool for reassignment.

How long before an inactive line can be disconnected?

The NCC's published framework applies across mobile network operators. It does not provide separate inactivity periods of 90 days for Glo, 180 days for MTN and 365 days for Airtel.

Here is how the process works:

After six months without a qualifying activity: Your line may be partially barred. At this stage, you may only be able to receive calls.
After another six months: If the inactivity continues for a total of 12 months, your operator may churn the line.
After churning: The number may eventually be reassigned to another subscriber.

The NCC identifies activities such as making or receiving calls, sending SMS, using mobile data and using USSD services as examples of revenue-generating activity.

This means you should not assume that your network gives you a full year of normal service before taking action. Your line may be partially barred after the first six months of inactivity.

Step 1: Check that your NIN and SIM details match

This is one of the most important steps, because a mismatch can lead to your line being barred.

The information on your SIM registration record must match the details on your NIN record. If your details are incorrect or inconsistent, contact your network provider to have the records checked and corrected.

You can check your NIN-SIM linkage by dialling *996# or by following the confirmation instructions provided by your network.

Check old SIMs you have stopped using too, since unlinked lines are also at risk.

Step 2: Fix a wrong or unwanted NIN link

If your number is linked to the wrong NIN, or was registered in someone else's name, you need to resolve the issue with your network provider.

The NCC advises subscribers who are using a SIM they did not personally register to visit their operator's shop with their NIN and proof of ownership and usage. Examples of proof include frequently dialled numbers, your last recharge and websites you frequently browse using the line.

If your NIN verification fails, the NCC also advises you to visit an outlet of your service provider to rectify the issue.

For Glo subscribers, do not assume that an affidavit alone is enough to change ownership or correct a NIN link. Visit a Gloworld outlet or contact Glo customer care first to confirm the documents and ownership-verification process required for your particular case.

Important: The NCC states that individual NIN-SIM linkage cannot be completed by proxy. The subscriber should follow the operator's official process.

Step 3: Keep the line active

Use every SIM you own regularly. Make a short call, send an SMS, use a little data or carry out another qualifying network activity.

You don't need to spend much. The mistake is leaving a SIM in a drawer for months and assuming nothing will happen.

The NCC identifies calls, SMS, mobile data and USSD usage as examples of qualifying activity. A recharge by itself should not be treated as a guarantee that your line has generated a qualifying Revenue Generating Event.

Step 4: Pick a tariff plan that suits how you use your phone

If your plan doesn't fit your habits, you are more likely to neglect the line. A heavy caller on a plan with an expensive base rate will avoid using it, and a data-heavy user on a calls-first plan will do the same.

Matching your plan to how you actually use your phone makes it easier to stay active without overspending. For MTN users, our full guide to MTN's prepaid tariff plans walks through each one.

Step 5: Top up in small, regular amounts

Staying active doesn't mean buying large amounts of airtime. It means having enough airtime or data to carry out regular network activities.

Small, regular recharges can help you pay for calls, SMS and data usage. Platforms like Gosub.ng let you buy airtime and data in a few taps.

Remember, the important thing is to use the line for qualifying network activity, not simply to leave airtime sitting in your account.

Step 6: Reserve your number if you will be away

If you are travelling or won't use a Nigerian line for a long time, you may be able to pay to keep your number through your network's number-retention service.

On MTN, the service is called Keep My Number. Dial *365# or use the individual subscription codes:

1 year: ₦3,500 — dial *365*1#.
2 years: ₦5,000 — dial *365*2#.
3 years: ₦7,500 — dial *365*3#.

You can also send KMN1, KMN2 or KMN3 by SMS to 36500 for the corresponding subscription.

On Airtel, the service is called Keep My Number. You can dial *494# or use the individual subscription codes:

1 year: ₦2,000 — dial *494*1#.
2 years: ₦3,500 — dial *494*2#.
3 years: ₦5,000 — dial *494*3#.

Airtel's service is available to prepaid customers.

For Glo subscribers, I could not confirm an equivalent official number-retention subscription from Glo's published information. If you will be away for an extended period, contact Glo to ask whether a line-parking or number-retention option is available. Otherwise, arrange for regular qualifying use of the line.

Fees and service terms can change, so check the current price and conditions through your network's official USSD menu or website before you pay.

Step 7: Protect the accounts tied to your number

Think about what is linked to this number: your bank, your BVN, your NIN, mobile money, social media and two-factor codes.

If you lose the line, you could be locked out of all of them, and a recycled number in a stranger's hands is a real security risk.

If you plan to drop a number, move your bank, BVN and other important accounts to a number you will keep first. Do not wait until the line has been disconnected before updating your details.

Quick checklist

Confirm your SIM is linked to your NIN and that the registration details match.
Check your linkage by dialling *996#.
Remember the NCC inactivity framework: partial barring may happen after six months without qualifying activity, and churning may happen after 12 months in total.
Use every SIM you own regularly with calls, SMS, mobile data or other qualifying network activity.
Reserve your number if you will be away: *365# on MTN or *494# on Airtel.
Move important accounts off any line you plan to drop.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I leave my SIM card unused in Nigeria?

Under the NCC's published framework, a line may be partially barred after six months without a Revenue Generating Event. If inactivity continues for another six months, the operator may churn the line after a total of 12 months.

Can my network provider recycle my phone number?

Yes. If your line remains inactive for the regulatory period and is churned, the number may eventually be returned to the available number pool and assigned to another subscriber.

How do I know if my SIM is linked to my NIN?

You can dial *996# to check your NIN-SIM linkage. You should also look out for the confirmation message from your network provider.

What should I do if my SIM is linked to someone else's NIN?

Visit your network provider's outlet with your NIN and proof of ownership and usage. The operator will guide you through its verification and re-registration process.

How can I keep my MTN number active while abroad?

MTN prepaid customers can subscribe to Keep My Number by dialling *365# or using the relevant subscription code. The service offers one-year, two-year and three-year options. Check MTN's official website for current prices and conditions.

How can I reserve my Airtel number?

Airtel prepaid customers can use Keep My Number by dialling *494#. The available options include one-year, two-year and three-year subscriptions.

Does recharging airtime alone prevent my SIM from being disconnected?

Do not rely on a recharge alone. The NCC identifies revenue-generating activities such as making or receiving calls, sending SMS, using mobile data and using USSD services as examples of qualifying activity.

Official References

For the latest rules and service information, consult these official sources:

Final thoughts

Most disconnected lines are lost to neglect: an unlinked NIN, a mismatched record or a SIM nobody touched for months. A few minutes of checking now can save you the stress of losing a number you've had for years.

Check your NIN link today, use your line regularly and keep your top-ups simple. It is much easier than getting a recycled number back.