Daud Olatunji
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to enforce regulatory standards for mobile devices in Nigeria, warning that phones and other SIM-enabled devices that fail to meet its approval and verification requirements may be restricted from accessing telecommunications networks.
The commission said the move was 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, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.
The notice, signed by the Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, said the commission was strengthening enforcement of existing requirements through technology-enabled verification.
According to the NCC, all device models intended for importation, assembly, distribution or sale in Nigeria must obtain the required type approval before being introduced into the market.
The commission said the requirement was backed 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 the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information of individual devices was submitted through the approved compliance process for verification before distribution and sale.
The IMEI is a unique identification number assigned to mobile devices and can be used to identify individual handsets on telecommunications networks.
The commission further warned businesses against assuming that devices already in their warehouses or shops were automatically exempt from the requirements.
It urged distributors, dealers and retailers to review their existing stock to establish whether the devices complied with the applicable type approval and verification rules, advising them to work with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding compliance issues.
The NCC added that newly imported devices must also satisfy the relevant approval and verification requirements before being placed on the Nigerian market.
The commission said it had held extensive consultations with manufacturers, importers and relevant industry associations as part of its efforts to ensure that businesses understood the compliance process.
It, however, urged stakeholders who had not participated in the engagements or were uncertain about the procedures to seek clarification through its approved onboarding and support channels.
Explaining the broader objectives of the initiative, the commission said the automated compliance process would improve its oversight of devices entering the Nigerian market and strengthen its ability to identify irregularities in their importation and distribution.
It added that the process would be implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service to support the reconciliation of import records, compliance with applicable duties and the promotion of fair competition.
According to the commission, the initiative would help ensure that businesses complying with regulatory requirements were not disadvantaged by those operating outside the rules.
The NCC reiterated that devices that failed to satisfy the applicable requirements could, upon full implementation of the enforcement framework, be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks.
The commission said it remained 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 affected 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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