The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is moving to tighten controls over mobile phones and other telecommunications devices entering Nigeria, introducing a verification regime that will require newly introduced equipment to meet regulatory standards before accessing local networks.
The move comes as the regulator says it has already registered about 231 million devices operating on Nigerian telecommunications networks, giving it an existing database as it seeks to curb counterfeit, cloned and unapproved equipment.
Under the new arrangement, devices already connected to networks before the system became operational will not be disconnected retrospectively, while newly introduced devices will be subject to verification requirements.
Edoyemi Ogoh, director of technical standards and network integrity at the NCC, disclosed the measures at a media briefing in Abuja on the implementation of the commission’s Device Checker and Type Approval Compliance framework.
Ogoh said the existing devices had been captured automatically, meaning subscribers would not need to register their phones individually.
The commission’s immediate focus, he explained, is to prevent additional non-compliant devices from entering the telecommunications ecosystem without disrupting consumers who purchased equipment before the verification mechanism became available.
“We are not blacklisting those that have come up before this,” Ogoh said.
The policy places greater emphasis on checking devices entering the market rather than penalising existing users whose phones may not satisfy current approval requirements.
The NCC’s position is particularly significant for consumers and businesses involved in the importation, distribution and sale of mobile devices, as the commission seeks to strengthen compliance with standards governing telecommunications equipment in Nigeria.
Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 requires telecommunications equipment to obtain regulatory approval before being sold or used in the country. The verification initiative follows the introduction of the NCC’s Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024 and consultations with industry stakeholders.
Beyond identifying unapproved devices, the commission said the system could help address some of the equipment-related problems affecting network performance.
According to Ogoh, faulty and counterfeit devices can interfere with telecommunications infrastructure, potentially affecting other subscribers connected to the same cell site.
He said device-related problems were among the issues identified in the commission’s assessment of poor network quality, alongside infrastructure constraints, insecurity, flooding and other operational challenges.
The NCC expects stricter verification to help identify non-compliant equipment and limit the circulation of devices that could compromise network performance.
The regulator is also working with the Nigeria Customs Service, manufacturers, importers and dealers to improve checks on telecommunications equipment before it enters the country.
Ogoh said the system would help establish who imported particular devices, when they entered Nigeria and the quantities involved. The information is expected to strengthen oversight of the supply chain and support action against counterfeit products.
However, the commission has sought to distinguish device verification from surveillance of subscribers.
Ogoh said the framework relies on device identification information and does not provide access to personal content stored on phones, including messages, photographs, contacts and financial records.
“It is not a surveillance tool and does not provide access to personal information stored on devices,” he said.
For consumers, the commission has advised subscribers to check the approval status of their phones, tablets, modems and other SIM-enabled equipment through its verification channels.
Users can retrieve their devices’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers by dialling *#06# and use the NCC’s Device Checker portal or dial *315# to access verification services.
Consumers who discover that they have purchased unverified devices are advised to contact their sellers for replacements. Those unable to resolve their complaints through the sellers can contact the NCC through its toll-free 315 helpline.
Nnenna Ukoha, head of public affairs at the commission, said device checking and type approval were important to improving equipment safety, protecting consumers and strengthening network quality.
She added that the initiative would support efforts to create a more secure digital environment.
