The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a technology-driven framework that will prevent unregistered SIM-enabled devices from operating on Nigerian mobile networks.
The new enforcement system, supported by the commission’s Device Management System (DMS), will allow the NCC to electronically verify whether communications devices imported, sold or used in Nigeria have met mandatory Type Approval requirements.
The commission said the move is aimed at strengthening oversight of Nigeria’s growing device market and making it easier to identify non-compliant and illegally imported devices.
NCC sets new rule for phones and SIM-enabled devices
Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, telecommunications service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval from the NCC before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.
The first phase of the new framework has already commenced.
It focuses on registering existing devices held in stock while ensuring that devices imported into Nigeria in the future are properly registered and authenticated.
The NCC is working with the Nigeria Customs Service, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations as part of the implementation.
Unregistered devices to be blocked
The framework is based on the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024, which provided for the establishment of a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) for SIM-enabled communications devices.
Edoyemi Ogoh, Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the NCC, said the central registry would contain the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of devices in Nigeria.
According to Ogoh, this will give the commission greater visibility over devices entering and operating within the country’s telecommunications ecosystem.
“With the deployment of this system, all SIM-enabled communications devices brought into the country must be registered before they are sold,” Ogoh said.
He added:
“Devices that are not duly registered will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian networks.”
The development is expected to increase compliance requirements for manufacturers, importers and distributors of mobile phones and other SIM-enabled devices.
NCC targets stolen and illegal devices
The commission said the system would also help tackle the use of stolen devices by allowing devices reported stolen to be identified and blocked from operating on Nigerian networks.
The framework will also enable the NCC to distinguish approved devices from those that may have entered the country through unauthorised channels.
For consumers, the commission said the system could provide an additional layer of assurance that devices purchased through the formal market meet applicable technical standards and are legally authorised for use in Nigeria.
The NCC also expects the initiative to support network performance by reducing the presence of devices that fail to meet prescribed technical standards.
NCC addresses privacy concerns
The commission said the new system does not give it access to the contents of users’ devices or allow it to monitor personal communications.
Ogoh explained that the DMS was designed specifically for device identification and Type Approval compliance.
According to the NCC, the system only maintains device identification information, including IMEI numbers.
The rollout marks a significant expansion of the regulator’s efforts to improve visibility and control over Nigeria’s telecommunications device market.
As implementation progresses, device registration and authentication are expected to become increasingly important for consumers, retailers, manufacturers and importers operating in Nigeria.
