NCC, Customs partner to enhance telecoms device monitoring, QoS and consumer protection

*Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, emphasises the telecoms sector regulator’s new Device Management System, will help to track imported phones, block substandard devices, and boost national revenue towards boosting service quality for telecoms consumers

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has affirmed that a stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will help the Service to improve revenue generation, enhance national security, and safeguard public safety through tighter monitoring of imported communication cum telecoms devices into the country.

ConsumerConnect reports Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, disclosed this during a recent courtesy visit to the Nigerian Customs Service Headquarters, in Maitama, Abuja, FCT.

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The EVC/CEO of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission emphasised the NCC’s new-fangled Device Management System (DMS) project, a platform designed to track imported phones and block substandard devices, would help the Nigeria Customs to boost revenue, and enhance the Quality of Service (QoS) for telecoms consumers.

He said: “One of the least understood factors affecting service quality is the device itself.

“If a subscriber is using a substandard phone, no matter the investment operators make in their networks, service quality will remain poor. That is why the DMS project is critical.”

Maida also took the opportunity to congratulate Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General (CG) of Nigeria Customs Service, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation Council.

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The NCC Chief Executive described the feat as a recognition of Adeniyi’s leadership both in Nigeria and in the global arena.

On use of network boosters in telecoms ecosystem

The Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC also discussed pressing concerns about the reported uncontrolled use of network boosters, the practice which he noted though sometimes is helpful to individuals yet distort signals and reduce overall network quality in the telecoms ecosystem.

Maida, therefore, solicited the NCS support in restricting the importation of uncertified boosters while ensuring only approved communication devices enter the country’s huge telecoms market.

Urging the NCC and Nigeria Customs to continue sustaining their extant “spirit of collaboration”, the EVC/CEO of the Commission assured his host that the telecoms regulator would work closely with Customs to tackle the dual challenges of revenue leakages and consumer protection in Nigeria.

CGC Adeniyi: We’re committed to sustaining collaboration with NCC

Earlier in his remarks during Maida’s visit to the Customs House, in Abuja, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General (CG) of NCS, had pledged stronger collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Adeniyi underscored the importance of such partnership with the NCC in regard to improved revenue generation, enhanced national security, and safeguard of public safety through tighter monitoring of imported communication devices to the country.

The CG of Customs, who noted this in a statement shared on the verified X account of the agency, also affirmed that the Service is already looking beyond revenue and focusing on the security implications of unchecked importation of mobile devices.

He also emphasised closer synergy with the NCC would allow both regulatory agencies to strengthen their monitoring systems in Nigeria.

Adeniyi further explained that technology-related imports, including mobile phones, network boosters, and other telecoms equipment, must be subjected to proper certification and classification under the Customs’ tariff regime.

Such measures, he stated, would ensure only authorised importers are permitted to bring such devices and equipment into the country.

The NCS Chief as well highlighted how the Service would work with the Commission to train its Officers and Men on certification processes, and align tariff codes with regulated devices to curb abuses at the borders.

“Both for effective security and revenue, we will be committed to deepening collaboration,” Adeniyi said in the statement.

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