NCC Moves To Block Fake, Cloned Devices From Nigerian Networks

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced an enhanced verification exercise to identify fake, cloned and non-compliant SIM-enabled devices and prevent them from connecting to telecommunications networks in Nigeria.

The commission said the framework would strengthen regulatory oversight, improve network performance and ensure that communications devices sold or used in the country meet established technical standards.

The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the NCC, Edoyemi Ogoh, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Abuja, assuring Nigerians that the initiative would not give the commission access to personal information stored on their devices.

Ogoh said the enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework would enable electronic verification of devices, making it easier to identify equipment that fails to meet the commission’s requirements.

“As part of its ongoing regulatory responsibilities, the Commission has commenced the implementation of an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework that enables more efficient and effective monitoring of compliance obligations applicable to SIM-enabled communications devices operating within the Nigerian market,” he said.

He added that the commission had worked with the Nigeria Customs Service, manufacturers, importers and relevant market associations to onboard devices already in stock and ensure that future imports were properly verified and authenticated.

“We have also ensured that devices currently in stock are appropriately onboarded and that devices imported into Nigeria going forward are properly verified and authenticated. This will provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant, cloned, or fake devices and prevent them from connecting to our networks,” Ogoh said.

The initiative builds on the NCC’s Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 to ensure that communications devices sold or used in Nigeria meet the required technical standards.

Addressing privacy concerns, Ogoh said the framework would retain device identification information, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, for regulatory purposes but would not allow the commission to access users’ personal communications or other information stored on their devices.

“The objective of the initiative is regulatory compliance relating to communications devices. It is not a surveillance tool and does not provide access to personal information stored on devices,” he said.

Ogoh urged consumers to ask sellers whether phones, tablets, and other SIM-enabled devices had received NCC Type Approval before purchasing them.

The commission said the framework was part of its broader efforts to strengthen compliance with technical standards, protect consumers and improve confidence in communications devices sold and used in Nigeria.