The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called on Nigerians to make mobile device verification a standard precaution when purchasing mobile phones, as countries worldwide continue to confront challenges associated with counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised telecommunications equipment.
The Commission says the practice is essential to strengthening consumer protection, promoting responsible purchasing decisions and safeguarding the integrity of telecommunications networks in an increasingly connected global economy.
The NCC Zonal Controller in Kano, Maigana Gidado, made the call during a media briefing on the Commission’s technical standards and network integrity initiatives in Kano.
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Gidado explained that the NCC Device Checker Platform was designed to enable consumers to verify the regulatory status of mobile phones and other SIM-enabled devices before purchase, helping to discourage the circulation of equipment that fails to meet established technical standards.
He noted that as digital technology continues to drive international communication, commerce and access to essential services, ensuring that telecommunications devices comply with regulatory requirements has become increasingly important.
According to him, the initiative also seeks to promote accountability across the telecommunications equipment supply chain by ensuring that manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers comply with the Commission’s Type Approval requirements.
Gidado disclosed that the NCC had streamlined its licensing and regularisation processes, enabling several device dealers in Kano State to obtain the necessary licences.
He noted that the Commission had conducted sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry stakeholders in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria to improve awareness of device verification procedures and regulatory obligations.
Device Checker App
The Zonal Controller said the Commission had also developed a user-friendly Device Checker application that allows authorised stakeholders to scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload relevant information directly to the platform.
He urged consumers to check their devices through the NCC’s online portal at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker by entering the relevant IMEI number before completing a purchase.
Gidado further advised consumers to buy from reputable and licensed dealers, while encouraging manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers to comply with the Commission’s Type Approval framework.
He explained that the Device Checker Platform was not a surveillance tool, stressing that it did not access personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other private content stored on mobile devices.
Consumers requiring assistance or wishing to lodge complaints, he said, could contact the Commission through its 315 toll-free consumer support line.
The NCC also urged industry stakeholders to familiarise themselves with its Type Approval and Device Verification Guide, available at www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide, to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
The Commission maintained that routine device verification could help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions while supporting efforts to promote fair competition, strengthen network integrity and build public confidence in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
The Commission encouraged Nigerians to adopt device verification as a regular consumer safety measure, particularly when purchasing mobile phones from unfamiliar sellers or outlets, as part of broader efforts to promote a safer and more accountable digital marketplace.
