The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has rolled out a technology-driven compliance framework to strengthen the enforcement of Type Approval requirements for all SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria.
The Commission said the new Device Management System (DMS) will enable electronic verification of devices and improve oversight of the country’s communications device ecosystem.
According to a statement issued by the NCC’s Head of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the initiative is in line with Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which mandates licensed service providers, manufacturers and suppliers to obtain Type Approval before any communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.
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The NCC said the automated framework will improve compliance with technical and regulatory standards, enhance network performance, identify non-compliant devices and boost consumer confidence.
The Commission has commenced the first phase of implementation in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, original equipment manufacturers, importers and relevant market associations.
The initial phase will focus on onboarding existing devices in stock and ensuring that newly imported devices are properly registered and authenticated.
The NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Mr. Edoyemi Ogoh, said the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 provided the regulatory basis for the establishment of a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).
“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 compliance with its Type Approval requirements,” he said.
Ogoh explained that with the deployment of the 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.
He added that the technology will also help to identify illegally imported and non-compliant devices, while devices reported stolen can be blocked from use across Nigerian mobile networks.
The Director assured the public that the platform is designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval compliance.
“It maintains device identification information, including IMEI numbers, and does not provide the Commission with access to the content of users’ devices, nor does it enable the Commission to monitor personal communications,” he said.
