JAPA: How to keep your Nigerian SIM cards active while abroad

As more Nigerians relocate abroad in pursuit of better opportunities, many leave their Nigerian SIM cards inactive, unaware of the risks involved.

This seemingly harmless oversight has led to cases of SIM number recycling, which can expose unsuspecting former users to identity theft and financial fraud.

SIM card recycling is a legal practice in Nigeria. According to Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of Public Affairs at the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), “a SIM card or a line left dormant for up to a year can be recycled and sold to a new user.”

To prevent experience similar to this, major telecom providers in Nigeria: MTN, Glo, and 9Mobile have introduced services that allow users to retain their numbers while abroad.

Here’s how each provider helps users stay connected and protected.

MTN: Keep My Number (KMN)

MTN subscribers can use the Keep My Number (KMN) service to retain their numbers for up to three years, regardless of inactivity. The KMN service is open to all prepaid subscribers.

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The cost of subscription varies:

1 year: N511 (Dial 3651# or SMS “KMN1” to 36500)

2 years: ₦819 (Dial 3652# or SMS “KMN2” to 36500)

3 years: ₦1228 (Dial 3653# or SMS “KMN3” to 36500)

Once payment is confirmed, the number is preserved for the chosen duration, and you won’t need to worry about deactivation or reissuance.

Glo: ALWAYS ON Plan
For Glo users, the ALWAYS ON plan keeps your SIM active for 365 days, even without making calls, sending texts, or using data.

To activate:
Dial *777#, select “ALWAYS ON” from the menu, and follow the prompts.

The service attracts a one-time fee of ₦500, deducted from your main account balance.
This package is ideal for travelers who plan to be away for more than 90 days.

9Mobile: Extended SIM Validity
9Mobile users can keep their SIM active through the Extended SIM Validity service. It is available for both prepaid and postpaid customers.
Recharge ₦500 and dial 5391# or text 1 to 539 to subscribe.
Dial *539# to check your subscription status.
This service extends the SIM validity by one year and helps prevent deactivation and recycling

While many Nigerians assume linking their phone numbers to their National Identification Number (NIN) offers immunity from deactivation, a dormant line is still eligible for recycling, regardless of NIN linkage.

To avoid falling victim to fraud and to maintain access to vital services linked to your number such as banking, emails, or social media, it is critical to activate these SIM retention plans before traveling abroad.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE