The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers of SIM-enabled devices to comply with mandatory type approval and device verification requirements, warning that non-compliant devices may eventually be barred from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks.
The Commission said it was strengthening monitoring and enforcement of existing regulations through an automated, technology-enabled compliance process designed to ensure that devices imported, distributed and sold in Nigeria meet prescribed standards.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, 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.
Under the requirements, all device models intended for importation, assembly, distribution or sale in Nigeria must obtain the necessary NCC type approval, as stipulated in Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 of the Type Approval Regulations 2024.
The Commission also directed manufacturers, importers and other responsible suppliers to ensure that the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information of individual devices is submitted through the approved compliance process for verification before the devices are sold or distributed.
It further urged distributors, dealers and retailers to review devices already in their inventories to establish whether they satisfy the applicable type approval and verification requirements, advising them to work with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding compliance issues.
The NCC stressed that newly imported devices must also meet the prescribed approval and verification requirements before being introduced into the Nigerian market.
According to the Commission, the automated compliance framework is intended to strengthen regulatory oversight of communications devices entering the country and improve its capacity to detect irregularities in their importation and distribution.
The initiative will also involve collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service to reconcile import records, support compliance with applicable duties and promote fair competition among businesses operating in the communications device market.
The Commission said the process would help prevent businesses that disregard regulatory and importation requirements from gaining an unfair advantage over compliant operators.
As part of its enforcement measures, the NCC warned that, upon full implementation, devices that fail to meet the applicable requirements may be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks, in line with the approved enforcement framework.
The Commission said it had already engaged extensively with OEMs, ODMs, importers and relevant industry associations as part of its participatory approach to regulation.
Businesses that had not participated in the engagements or were uncertain about the procedures for meeting the requirements were encouraged to seek guidance promptly through the Commission’s approved onboarding and support channels.
Reaffirming its commitment to working with industry stakeholders, the NCC said the initiative was aimed at facilitating regulatory compliance, protecting consumers and promoting a fair and sustainable market for communications devices in Nigeria.
For compliance guidance and onboarding assistance, affected businesses were directed to visit www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide or call 315 for assistance.