How to Keep Your Nigerian SIM Active While Abroad

In an increasingly digital world, our phone numbers have become more than just contact information, they are vital links to our financial, professional, and social ecosystems. Whether you’re studying in Canada, working in Dubai, or just spending a few months travelling across Europe, one small but crucial thing you don’t want to lose is access to your Nigerian SIM card.

Why? Because that tiny chip in your phone is your lifeline to receiving bank alerts, NIN and BVN verification codes, government messages, family check-ins, business calls, and even WhatsApp. Losing it could be more disruptive than you think.

Yet, many Nigerians abroad are unaware that their SIM cards, if left unused, can be deactivated and legally recycled by telecom operators.

But don’t worry, keeping your Nigerian SIM active while abroad is easier than you might imagine. With some planning and smart habits, you can avoid SIM deactivation and stay seamlessly connected to Nigeria from anywhere in the world.

This article outlines why this happens, what it means for you, and the practical steps you can take to preserve your Nigerian number while living overseas.

What is SIM Card Recycling

It is important to understand that SIM card recycling is a legal and active policy 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.”

This means that if your Nigerian line remains inactive, no calls, no texts, no data usage, and no recharge, for several months (ranging from 90 days to one year depending on the network), it may be permanently deactivated and reassigned.

Notably, linking your SIM to your NIN does not prevent this. NIN linkage is primarily for identification and compliance purposes. It does not override inactivity rules set by telecom operators.

The consequences of losing your Nigerian line while abroad can be serious:

• Inability to receive bank OTPs and alerts
• Locked access to NIN- or BVN-tied services
• Difficulty regaining access to platforms like WhatsApp, email, or social media
• Potential security risks if the number is reassigned

To avoid these issues, telecom providers have introduced dedicated SIM retention services to help Nigerians abroad maintain their numbers without frequent usage.

Tips to Maintain SIM Activity While Abroad

While retention plans offer structured protection, you can also take these proactive steps:

 1. Activate International Roaming Before Departure

Before you travel, walk into your mobile provider’s office or use their self-service code to activate international roaming. This feature allows your Nigerian SIM to work outside the country — meaning you can receive SMS, make calls, or even use data (at higher rates) while abroad.

• MTN: *123*4#
• Airtel: *789#
• Glo: Visit a service center
• 9Mobile: Call 200

This step is crucial for receiving bank OTPs and staying reachable while abroad.

2. Recharge Your Line Regularly

One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your SIM active is to top it up regularly — even if it’s just ₦100 or ₦200. Recharging is considered “activity,” and it resets the countdown clock on inactivity.

You don’t need to be in Nigeria to recharge

You can recharge from anywhere in the world through:

• Nigerian banking apps (GTBank, Zenith, Access, etc.)
• Online platforms like Ding.com, Recharge.com, or Flutterwave

A small monthly top-up — even ₦100 or ₦200 — can make a big difference.

3. Send an SMS or Make a Quick Call Occasionally

Don’t just recharge — use the line occasionally. Even a single SMS or a quick “hello” call every few weeks helps maintain active status. Roaming lets you do this, though the charges might be steep for calls. Still, a 10-second check-in can save you the stress of losing the line.

Note: International call and text rates apply, so check your roaming rates beforehand.

 4. Use a Dual-SIM or eSIM-Capable Device

To make managing your SIM easier, use a dual-SIM phone. This allows you to insert your Nigerian SIM in one slot and a local SIM from your host country in the other.

Alternatively, if your provider and device support it, consider activating your Nigerian number as an eSIM. This digital SIM format allows for easier SIM switching and remote management.

5. Enable Email Alerts for Nigerian Bank Transactions

Don’t rely solely on SMS for transaction alerts. Most Nigerian banks allow customers to set up email notifications alongside SMS. This ensures you stay informed, even if your SIM is temporarily inactive.

6. Consider Getting an eSIM (If Available)

Some Nigerian networks now support eSIM — a digital version of your SIM that doesn’t require a physical slot. If your phone supports eSIM (e.g., iPhones from XS upward, Samsung Galaxy S20 and above), you can install your Nigerian number as a secondary line digitally.

Retention Services by Nigerian Telecom Operators

1. MTN Nigeria – Keep My Number (KMN) Service

MTN’s Keep My Number (KMN) service allows prepaid users to retain their lines even without any usage activity, for up to three years.

Subscription details:

• 1 year – ₦511 → Dial *365*1# or SMS KMN1 to 36500
• 2 years – ₦819 → Dial *365*2# or SMS KMN2 to 36500
• 3 years – ₦1228 → Dial *365*3# or SMS KMN3 to 36500

Once activated, your number remains protected for the duration paid, regardless of whether you use the line. This is a secure and cost-effective option for MTN users living abroad for extended periods.

2. Glo Nigeria – ALWAYS ON Plan

Glo’s ALWAYS ON plan ensures that your SIM remains active for 365 days, even if you do not make calls, send texts, or use data.

How to activate:

• Dial *777#
• Select “ALWAYS ON” from the menu and follow the prompts
• A one-time fee of ₦500 will be deducted from your main account balance

This plan is ideal for Glo subscribers who may be away from Nigeria for a year or less but want to avoid the risk of SIM deactivation.

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3. 9Mobile – Extended SIM Validity

9Mobile offers a service that allows both prepaid and postpaid customers to extend the life of their SIM card by one year.

How to activate:

• Recharge ₦500
• Dial *539*1# or send 1 to 539 via SMS
• To check your subscription status, dial *539#

This option helps preserve your line, ensuring it stays in the system and is not marked for recycling.

Conclusion

Your Nigerian SIM card is more than just a communication tool — it is your gateway to services, identity, and security back home. Losing it could disconnect you from essential platforms and expose you to fraud risks.

By enrolling in official retention plans and practicing consistent line maintenance — recharging, using, or delegating use — you can avoid the stress of deactivation, recycling, or data loss.

Whether you are abroad temporarily or for the long term, now is the time to secure your SIM and maintain control over your digital presence in Nigeria.