NCC Moves Against Fake Phones With *315# Device Checker

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a device verification service that allows Nigerians to check the authenticity and regulatory compliance of mobile phones before purchase, as the commission steps up efforts to curb counterfeit and non-compliant devices in the country’s telecommunications market.

The service, accessible by dialling *315#, is designed to help consumers verify communications devices and reduce the risks associated with buying counterfeit phones, cloned devices and equipment that may not meet Nigeria’s technical standards.

The initiative forms part of an enhanced Type Approval Compliance Framework, which took effect on October 7, 2026, to strengthen regulatory oversight, protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of telecommunications networks.

Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the NCC, Edoyemi Ogoh, said the framework was intended to improve compliance with existing regulations and ensure that communications equipment deployed in Nigeria met the required technical standards.

Ogoh said, “Type Approval is not merely a regulatory requirement. It is a vital mechanism for protecting consumers, safeguarding network performance and preserving confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.”

He explained that the commission had engaged original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications service providers, government agencies and industry associations following the issuance of the Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.

The NCC also worked with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders to verify devices already in stock and ensure that newly imported equipment underwent the necessary checks.

Consumers can access the service by dialling *315# and following the instructions. Those checking a phone other than the one they currently use may need its 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which can be obtained by dialling *#06# on the device.

The commission advised prospective buyers, particularly those purchasing second-hand phones, to verify their devices before making payment.

However, it clarified that consumers buying phones from Nigerian sellers were not required to obtain type approval themselves, as the responsibility for compliance rests primarily with manufacturers, importers, suppliers and businesses placing devices on the market.

The framework covers smartphones, feature phones, cellular tablets, eligible Internet of Things devices, SIM-enabled point-of-sale terminals, cellular laptops and other equipment designed to connect to Nigerian mobile networks.

According to the NCC, devices found to be non-compliant with applicable requirements could be denied access to Nigerian telecommunications networks.

The commission distinguished between counterfeit and cloned devices, explaining that counterfeit phones imitate genuine products without the original manufacturers’ authorisation, while cloned devices use IMEI numbers assigned to other legitimate devices.

It cautioned, however, that an unsuccessful verification result did not automatically mean a device was counterfeit. Consumers were advised to seek clarification from sellers and resolve outstanding verification issues before completing their purchases.

Addressing concerns about privacy, Ogoh said the system was designed for device identification and regulatory verification, rather than surveillance.

He explained that although the framework uses device identification information, including IMEI numbers, it does not give the commission access to users’ calls, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other personal files. The system also does not track users’ physical locations or movements.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Affairs at the commission, Nneka Okoha, urged media organisations to intensify public awareness of the service, particularly among consumers at the grassroots.

She emphasised that effective communication was necessary to ensure Nigerians understood the benefits of the device checker and their responsibilities when purchasing communications equipment.

The NCC also warned consumers against fraudsters seeking to exploit the verification process, urging them to use only the official USSD channel or the commission’s website and never disclose one-time verification codes to sellers, callers or other individuals.

The commission said the framework was backed by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Nigerian Communications (Type Approval) Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.

Ogoh stressed that the commission was strengthening enforcement of an existing regulatory requirement rather than introducing a new obligation.

Consumers experiencing verification difficulties or network restrictions were advised to contact their service providers or seek assistance through the NCC’s support channels, including its toll-free number, 315.

Meanwhile, for consumers, the immediate takeaway is to check a phone before paying for it, especially when buying a used device, while recognising that a failed verification result requires clarification rather than an automatic conclusion that the phone is fake.