NCC Alarm: Call Masking Returns as Regulator Warns of Economic Sabotage

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has raised the alarm over the resurgence of call masking, warning that the practice threatens the security, integrity and revenue structure of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

 Call masking involves concealing or manipulating the true identity or originating number of a telephone call. The NCC said the practice can undermine legitimate telecommunications operations, distort industry revenues and create vulnerabilities that may be exploited for criminal activities.

 The regulator described the resurgence as a serious regulatory concern and an act of economic sabotage capable of adversely affecting the national economy.

 According to the NCC, masked calls can make it difficult to identify the true source of communications, raising concerns about the potential misuse of telecommunications networks for fraudulent and other unlawful activities.

 The Commission said it would collaborate with security and law-enforcement agencies, telecom operators and other industry stakeholders to identify, prevent and eliminate call-masking activities.

 The warning comes as telecommunications networks become increasingly important to Nigeria’s financial system, digital services and wider economy. Any compromise of the integrity of voice communications could therefore have consequences beyond the telecom industry.

 The NCC also disclosed that it is strengthening its regulatory technology infrastructure. Its Device Management System (DMS) is now operational, while the Telecommunications Identity Risk Management System (TIRMS) and associated business rules are scheduled to go live in October 2026.

 The latest warning signals tougher scrutiny of telecom operators as authorities seek to protect subscribers, strengthen digital trust and prevent criminal exploitation of Nigeria’s communications infrastructure.

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