As more Nigerians continue to #japa in search of greener pastures, one small but costly mistake many make is leaving their Nigerian #SIMcards dormant.

What seems like a harmless oversight could lead to SIM number recycling, which in turn exposes former owners to identity theft, fraud, and loss of access to critical services.

In Nigeria, SIM recycling is a lawful process. According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), any SIM left inactive for up to 12 months may be reassigned to another user. That means someone else could receive your old number—along with access to OTPs from your bank, social media accounts, and other personal platforms.

To help Nigerians abroad avoid this scenario, major network providers - MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile - offer solutions that allow users to keep their numbers even when they’re not actively used.

Here’s how to keep your Nigerian SIM card secure while living abroad:

MTN: Keep My Number (KMN)

MTN’s Keep My Number (KMN) service ensures your line stays active for up to 3 years, even if you’re not making or receiving calls.

Who can use it?
All prepaid MTN subscribers.

Pricing & Subscription Options:
• 1 year: ₦511 → Dial *365*1# or send “KMN1” to 36500
• 2 years: ₦819 → Dial *365*2# or send “KMN2” to 36500
• 3 years: ₦1,228 → Dial *365*3# or send “KMN3” to 36500

Once activated, your number remains secure and immune to recycling for the selected period.

Glo: ALWAYS ON Plan

With Glo’s ALWAYS ON plan, your SIM remains valid for a full year, regardless of usage.

How to activate:
• Dial *777#
• Select the ALWAYS ON option from the menu
• Pay a one-time fee of ₦500 (deducted from your main balance)

This is ideal for Nigerians who expect to be abroad for extended periods but still want to retain their Glo line.

9mobile: Extended SIM Validity Service

9mobile users can opt in for Extended SIM Validity, which keeps their line active for 12 months.

Steps to activate:
• Recharge ₦500
• Dial *539*1# or send “1” to 539
• Check your status by dialing *539#

The service is available for both prepaid and postpaid customers.

NIN Linkage Doesn’t Guarantee Safety

A common misconception is that linking your SIM to your #NIN protects it from deactivation. While NIN linkage is important, it does NOT prevent a dormant line from being recycled.

Why This Matters for Nigerians Abroad

Losing access to your Nigerian number could lock you out of:
• Bank verification (OTP delivery)
• Access to apps and accounts linked to your number
• Communication with loved ones and Nigerian institutions
• Recovery options for lost passwords or logins

To stay protected, activate a retention plan before or immediately after relocating.

It’s a small step that ensures peace of mind and continued access to essential Nigerian services while you’re away.