NCC Intensifies Regulatory Standards On Imported Devices Through Checkers

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has ramped up the implementation of Type Approval Compliance for SIM-enabled communications devices, such as mobile phones and other gadgets imported into Nigeria and subjected through Device Checkers to protect consumers and ensure the sustainability of the industry.

NCC’s director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh, said this during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, stressing it is aimed at ensuring that communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria comply with applicable technical and regulatory standards.

He said “this objective lies at the heart of the Commission’s Type Approval regime,” adding that “this development comes at an important stage in the Commission’s ongoing implementation of enhanced Type Approval Compliance for SIM-enabled communications devices.

“As implementation has commenced, it is important that consumers, industry stakeholders and the wider public clearly understand the objectives of the initiative, their respective responsibilities and the benefits it delivers for Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.”

Type Approval is a requirement under Nigerian law that every communications device meets approved technical standards before it is sold or used in the country. It ensures that all device models brought into the country are fit for use in Nigeria. It is prohibited to use, sell or import non-Type Approved communications devices.

The Device Checker is an NCC service for checking whether a SIM-enabled device model is NCC Type Approved and whether the device is verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks. Consumers can check their devices by dialing *315#, visitingmwww.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker or calling the toll-free number 315.

“For another device, you may be asked to enter its 15-digit IMEI. Check that the result says the device is Type Approved and confirms the device is verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks,” said adding that those in possession of old devices may not have much to worry about, but the commission has put mechanism in place to ensure that new devices are subjected to Device Checker.

Ogoh noted that the integrity of the telecommunications industry depends not only on network infrastructure but also on the quality, safety and compliance of the devices that access and are used on these networks.

“This helps consumers make informed choices about devices that meet the applicable standards and support reliable mobile networks,” Ogoh added.

He said further that Type Approval is not merely a regulatory requirement, but a vital mechanism for protecting consumers, safeguarding network performance and preserving confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy. This helps to ensure compatibility with network infrastructure, protect users, improve overall service quality and strengthen trust in the communications ecosystem.

The Director emphasized that the purpose of this regulatory requirement is to make it mandatory that devices operating on Nigerian networks must meet established technical standards and comply with applicable regulatory requirements.

He warned that those who deliberately plan to violate the standard will face the consequences as the NCC in collaboration with other security agencies have mapped out strategies to sanction defaulters, adding that the Commission is leveraging technology to make compliance checks and enforcement more efficient and consistent.