NCC urges consumers to verify SIM-enabled devices, releases framework for unapproved access to networks

*The Nigerian Communications Commission explains the overarching objective of the Device Checker and Type Approval Compliance framework, is to strengthen consumer protection, improve network quality, and enable regulators to track devices imported and sold  against counterfeit, cloned, and unapproved phones from accessing networks

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In line with its avowed consumer-centric approach to regulatory affairs, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has disclosed it registered about 231 million mobile devices across the West African country.

ConsumerConnect reports the NCC stated the overarching objective of the activation of the Device Checker and Type Approval Compliance framework and FAQs is to address cases of counterfeit, cloned, and unapproved phones from accessing mobile networks in the country’s telecoms space.

Core objective of new device verification system, by NCC

The telecoms sector regulatory also Commission said the initiative would strengthen consumer protection, improve network quality and enable regulators to track devices imported and sold in the country.

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Edoyemi Ogoh, Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at NCC,  disclosed this development Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at a media briefing on the implementation of the Device Checker and Type Approval Compliance framework, in Abuja, FCT.

Ogoh stated: “We had already registered about 231 million devices across the country.

“And those devices, basically, you don’t have to do anything. The subscriber does not have to do anything.”

The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity also explained that the Commission automatically, had captured devices already operating on Nigerian networks before the verification system became fully operational.

According to him, the effort has removed the need for existing subscribers to undertake additional registration in this regard.

What subscribers to old, unapproved, and new mobile devices should know

Highlighting the requirements for new devices, Ogoh however, said newly-introduced devices must meet the Commission’s verification requirements before accessing telecommunications networks in Nigeria.

He equally clarified that previously connected devices, including those that might not meet current approval standards, would not be disconnected retrospectively.

Ogoh averred: “We are not blacklisting those that have come up before this.”

The Director as well said that the decision was intended to protect consumers, who purchased devices without having access to verification tools at the time.

He noted the new verification framework would prevent additional non-compliant devices from entering the country’s telecommunications ecosystem.

On NCC’s collaborations with stakeholders

The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at NCC revealed the Commission is collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), manufacturers, importers and dealers to ensure that imported devices are authenticated before entering the market.

The framework also allows regulators to identify the importer, date of importation and quantity of individual devices, strengthening enforcement against suppliers of counterfeit products.

Ogoh said the initiative followed the introduction of Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024 and extensive consultations with industry stakeholders.

Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, telecommunications equipment must obtain regulatory approval before being sold or used in Nigeria.

The Director explained that counterfeit devices could contribute to poor network quality because faulty equipment sometimes interferes with telecommunications infrastructure, affecting other subscribers using the same cell site.

He said the Commission’s assessments identified device-related problems alongside infrastructure challenges, insecurity, flooding and other factors affecting network performance.

How consumers can very SIM-enabled devices, retrieve IMEI numbers

As regards consumer verification, Ogoh urged Nigerians to dial *315# or visit the NCC’s Device Checker portal to confirm whether phones, tablets, modems, and other SIM-enabled devices have been approved.

The Commission also advised consumers to retrieve a phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number by dialling *#06#.

He further explained that subscribers who purchased unverified devices should contact their sellers for replacements, while unresolved complaints could be reported through the Commission’s toll-free 315 helpline.

On surveillance and concerns about access to subscribers’ personal information

In respect of certain concerns about possible surveillance amid the implementation of the Device Checker and Type Approval Compliance framework, the Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at NCC restated that the verification system would not give the industry regulator access to subscribers’ personal information.

Ogoh declared: “It is not a surveillance tool, and does not provide access to personal information stored on devices.”

He equally noted that the system relies on device identification information rather than consumers’ messages, photographs, contacts or financial records contained therein.

Media urged to educate Nigerians about regulatory changes

Earlier, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, had described the initiative as part of efforts at improving telecoms safety, network quality and consumer protection in the telecoms environment.

Ukoha, therefore, urged media professionals to educate Nigerians about the latest regulatory changes.

The Director of Public Affairs also emphasised that public understanding is essential to their successful implementation of the Device Checker and Type Approval Compliance framework in the ecosystem.

Olasumbo Olawaiye, Head of Corporate Communications of the Commission, in her closing remarks at the briefing, urged sustained media engagement in this regard.

Olawaiye said: “We encourage your continued support in creating public awareness about this initiative.”

The NCC Head of Corporate Communications thanked journalists for their participation, and encouraged further enquiries about the new regulatory changes through the Commission’s media relations office.