Japa Guide: How to keep your MTN, Airtel, GLO & 9mobile SIM active in diaspora

As more Nigerians relocate abroad, protecting your home phone number has become a critical consideration. 

Under current NCC regulations, any SIM card left inactive for 12 months can be legally recycled and sold to new users, potentially exposing you to account recovery issues or unintended access to your banking and personal accounts when your number ends up with strangers.

The good news is all major Nigerian networks offer retention services specifically designed for users living abroad. Here’s how each provider helps you stay protected.

MTN: Keep My Number (KMN) Service

MTN’s Keep My Number service offers the longest protection period, preserving your number for up to three years without requiring any activity.

Pricing options:

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• 1 year: ₦511
• 2 years: ₦819
• 3 years: ₦1,228

How to activate:

1. Ensure you have sufficient airtime balance
2. For 1 year: Dial *365*1# or text “KMN1” to 36500
3. For 2 years: Dial *365*2# or text “KMN2” to 36500
4. For 3 years: Dial *365*3# or text “KMN3” to 36500
5. Wait for confirmation message

The 3-year option offers the best value for long-term residents abroad and eliminates renewal anxiety.

Airtel: International Roaming Services

Airtel prevents deactivation through its international roaming services to keep your line active.

Activation methods:

• Airtel Thanks App: Toggle international roaming in settings
• Call Center: Dial 121 and request activation
• WhatsApp: Message 99100-99100
• SMS: Text “IRSTART” to 121
• USSD: Dial *494# for roaming menu

International roaming maintains line activity automatically, though roaming charges apply if you use the number actively abroad.

GLO: ALWAYS ON plan

GLO’s ALWAYS ON plan keeps your number active for 365 days without requiring calls, texts, or data usage.

Activation process:

1. Ensure ₦500 minimum airtime balance
2. Dial *777#
3. Select “ALWAYS ON” from menu options
4. Complete activation following prompts
5. ₦500 deducted from main balance

The plan provides exactly 365 days of protection and requires annual renewal for extended coverage.

9Mobile: Extended SIM Validity

9Mobile’s Extended SIM Validity service works for both prepaid and postpaid customers, extending validity by 12 months.

Activation steps:

1. Recharge with at least ₦500
2. Dial *539*1# or text “1” to 539
3. Receive confirmation message
4. Check status anytime: *539#

Cost: ₦500 for 12-month protection

If you’re relocating long-term, MTN’s 3-year Keep My Number plan gives you the longest protection window at the best monthly value. But if you’re unsure how long you’ll be away, GLO and 9Mobile’s annual options offer more flexibility without locking you into extended commitments. 

For business owners or anyone with high-profile accounts tied to their Nigerian lines, keeping backup numbers active across multiple networks can also reduce the risks that come with number loss.

What to do if you’re already abroad

Even from outside Nigeria, you can activate retention services by contacting your network’s customer care, as long as you can verify your account. Some networks may need Nigerian payment methods, so it’s easier to set this up before leaving. 

Keep in mind that NIN registration doesn’t stop your SIM from being recycled if left inactive for 12 months. Activating retention keeps your number secure and prevents unwanted reassignment while you’re away.