The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced electronic verification of SIM-enabled devices to identify and prevent counterfeit, cloned and unapproved equipment from connecting to telecommunications networks across Nigeria.
The commission disclosed the development through Edoyemi Ogoh, its Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, during a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. He explained that the initiative was designed to strengthen regulatory compliance, improve network performance and protect consumers from devices that fail to meet approved technical standards.
The new framework allows the NCC to verify telecommunications devices against its type approval requirements. According to Ogoh, equipment already in stock has been incorporated into the verification system, while devices imported into Nigeria in the future will undergo the necessary authentication checks.
Type approval is the regulatory process through which the commission confirms that telecommunications equipment meets the technical standards required for sale and use in Nigeria.
Ogoh said the initiative followed the introduction of the NCC’s Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024 and consultations with manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications operators, government agencies and industry associations. The commission also collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders to support implementation.
He cited Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires communications equipment intended for sale or use in Nigeria to obtain the commission’s approval.
The NCC said enforcing these requirements would help ensure that devices connecting to Nigerian networks are compatible with existing infrastructure, while reducing the risks associated with fake and non-compliant equipment.
NCC URGES CONSUMERS TO VERIFY DEVICES BEFORE PURCHASE
The commission has advised Nigerians to confirm the approval status of SIM-enabled devices before purchasing them. The guidance covers smartphones, tablets, modems, point-of-sale (PoS) terminals and other equipment designed to connect to mobile networks.
Ogoh urged buyers to ask sellers whether their devices had received the necessary NCC type approval. He warned that non-compliant equipment could undermine network performance, complicate regulatory oversight and affect the reliability of telecommunications services.
The commission said the framework was intended to improve consumer confidence in the Nigerian device market and ensure that manufacturers, importers and dealers comply with applicable regulations.
Consumers can check device approval status by dialling *315# and following the prompts or visiting the NCC’s official Device Checker portal at www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceChecker.
NCC CLARIFIES CONCERNS OVER USERS’ PRIVACY
Addressing concerns about privacy, Ogoh stressed that the verification system was designed for device identification and regulatory compliance, not surveillance.
He explained that the system uses device identification details, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, to establish whether equipment meets the commission’s requirements.
According to him, the framework does not give the NCC access to personal information stored on users’ devices, including photographs, messages, contacts, financial details or the content of private communications.
Ogoh said the initiative was strictly focused on verifying telecommunications equipment and ensuring compliance with established technical standards.
STAKEHOLDER COOPERATION KEY TO SUCCESS
The commission said the success of the verification framework would depend on cooperation among government agencies, telecommunications operators, equipment manufacturers, dealers, consumer organisations and the media.
It also pledged to continue public awareness campaigns and engagement with industry stakeholders to explain the requirements and responsibilities associated with the initiative.
The NCC maintained that strengthening device verification and enforcing existing regulations would help protect consumers, improve the reliability of telecommunications services and support the continued growth of Nigeria’s communications sector.
