NCC moves to block unapproved phones from Nigerian telecommunications networks

Daud Olatunji

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stepped up efforts to enforce regulatory standards for mobile devices in Nigeria, warning that phones and other SIM-enabled devices that do not meet approval and verification requirements could be barred from accessing telecommunications networks.

The commission said the move is part of efforts to strengthen monitoring of devices imported, distributed and sold in the country, protect consumers and promote fair competition among businesses in the telecommunications sector.

In a public notice issued on Monday, the NCC reminded original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), original device manufacturers (ODMs), importers, distributors, dealers and retailers of their statutory obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, Type Approval Regulations 2024 and Type Approval Corporate Rules 2024.

The notice, signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, states that the commission is strengthening enforcement of existing requirements through technology-enabled verification.

According to the NCC, all models of devices intended for importation, assembly, distribution or sale in Nigeria must obtain the required approval before being introduced to the market.

The commission said the requirement is supported by section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 of the Type Approval Regulations 2024.

It also directed manufacturers, importers and other responsible suppliers to ensure that individual devices’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information has been sent through the approved compliance process for verification before distribution and sale.

IMEI is a unique identification number assigned to mobile devices and can be used to identify individual devices on telecommunications networks.

The commission also cautioned businesses against assuming that devices already in their warehouses or stores were automatically exempt from the requirements.

It urged distributors, resellers and retailers to review their existing stocks to determine whether devices were compliant with applicable approval and testing regulations, advising them to work with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding compliance issues.

The NCC added that newly imported devices must also meet relevant approval and verification requirements before being released into the Nigerian market.

The commission said it has held extensive consultations with relevant manufacturers, importers and industry associations as part of its efforts to ensure companies understand the compliance process.

However, it urged stakeholders who had not participated in the engagements or were uncertain about the procedures to seek clarification through approved onboarding and support channels.

Explaining the broader objectives of the initiative, the Commission said the automated compliance process will improve oversight of devices entering the Nigerian market and strengthen its ability to identify irregularities in their importation and distribution.

He added that the process will be implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service to support reconciliation of import records, compliance with applicable duties and promotion of fair competition.

According to the Commission, the initiative would help ensure that companies that comply with regulatory requirements are not disadvantaged by those that operate outside the rules.

The NCC reiterated that devices that did not meet the applicable requirements could, once the legislation is fully implemented, be barred from accessing Nigeria’s mobile telecommunications networks.

The commission said it will remain committed to working with industry stakeholders to facilitate compliance, safeguard consumers and promote a fair and sustainable market for communications devices.

Manufacturers, importers, distributors and other interested businesses were advised to consult the Commission’s Device Compliance Guide at www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide⁠� or call 315 for assistance.

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