The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to tighten its grip on the communications device market with the deployment of a technology-driven framework that will prevent unregistered SIM-enabled devices from operating on Nigerian telecommunications networks.
The initiative, being implemented through the Commission’s Device Management System (DMS), is designed to automate Type Approval compliance and provide a central mechanism for identifying, registering and authenticating communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria.
The move is expected to make enforcement of the Commission’s Type Approval requirements more efficient and consistent, while helping to curb the circulation of illegally imported and non-compliant devices in the Nigerian market.
Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval from the Commission before communications equipment may be sold or used in Nigeria.
The implementation of the DMS is also expected to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s communications device ecosystem by improving compliance with technical and regulatory standards, enhancing network performance, facilitating the identification of non-compliant devices and boosting consumer confidence in communications devices sold and used in the country.
The Commission has commenced the first phase of the automated Type Approval compliance framework in collaboration with critical stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations.
The first phase focuses on onboarding existing devices currently held in stock, while ensuring that devices imported into Nigeria going forward are appropriately registered and authenticated.
According to the Commission, this will provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant and illegally imported devices before they become widespread in the market.
Speaking on the rollout of the framework, the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, explained that the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 provided the regulatory framework for establishing a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to maintain a registry of SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria.
“Following the issuance of the Rules, the Commission commenced extensive stakeholder engagements and market studies, which informed the eventual design and deployment of the system.
“By establishing a central registry of the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of devices in Nigeria, the Commission will be better positioned to ensure effective and efficient compliance with its Type Approval requirements and to ensure that devices imported into, sold and used in Nigeria meet the applicable standards.
“With the deployment of this system, all SIM-enabled communications devices brought into the country must be registered before they are sold. Devices that are not duly registered will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian networks.
“Beyond improving Type Approval compliance, the technology will help address some of the wider challenges associated with the device market. Illegally imported and non-compliant devices will be easier to identify, while devices reported stolen can be blocked from use across Nigerian mobile networks.”
Ogoh further assured Nigerians that the DMS was not designed as a surveillance mechanism, stressing that its function is limited to device identification and Type Approval compliance.
He said the platform maintains device identification information, including IMEI numbers, but does not give the Commission access to the content of users’ devices or enable it to monitor personal communications.
