The Nigerian Communications Commission is stepping up efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised mobile devices, as the regulator strengthens enforcement of technical standards across the telecommunications market
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, the Director of the NCC Lagos Zonal Office, Tunji Jimoh, said the efforts were designed to strengthen regulatory oversight, protect consumers and improve the integrity of devices operating on Nigerian telecommunications networks.
“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is important that devices connected to our networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards,” Jimoh said.
The regulator recently launched the Device Checker Platform, which lets consumers verify the type-approval status of phones and other SIM-enabled devices. A separate application enables authorised industry stakeholders to scan International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers and upload device information directly to the commission’s system.
The initiative builds on the NCC’s existing regulatory framework for communications equipment. Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, relevant manufacturers, suppliers and service providers are required to obtain the necessary type approval before equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria. The commission’s Device Management System supports electronic verification and the maintenance of a central register of device identifiers.
Jimoh revealed that the commission had made progress in streamlining licensing and regularising device dealers in Kano State, alongside sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry participants in Lagos and other parts of the country.
To facilitate verification, the NCC has developed an application through which authorised stakeholders can scan device IMEI numbers and upload information directly to its system. Consumers can also check a device’s status through the commission’s online portal at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker.
An IMEI is usually a 15-digit number that identifies a mobile device and can be displayed by dialling *#06# on a handset. Checking the identifier against the commission’s records allows buyers to verify the information available on a device before completing a purchase.
The NCC has also published a Type Approval and Device Verification Guide for manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers, while businesses seeking type approval can access the relevant application requirements through the commission’s website.
Type approval and device verification serve different purposes. Type approval establishes whether an equipment model meets the regulator’s technical requirements, while device verification checks information associated with an individual handset.
The commission’s wider device management framework also supports efforts to identify illegally imported and non-compliant equipment. The NCC has said the system can facilitate the blocking of devices reported stolen across Nigerian mobile networks, although blocking does not establish a phone’s physical location or guarantee its recovery.
Addressing privacy concerns, Jimoh rejected suggestions that the platform was designed to monitor users’ activities or access private information stored on their phones.
“The Device Checker Platform is not a surveillance tool. It does not access personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information, or any other private content stored on a device,” he said.
He added that the platform was limited to device identification and regulatory compliance verification.
The commission urged consumers to buy from reputable and licensed dealers, check a device’s status before purchase, and consult its online resources if they encounter problems. Consumers seeking assistance can also contact the NCC through its 315 toll-free number.
It also urged manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to familiarise themselves with the verification guide and comply with applicable type approval requirements.
