The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced an automated system to register and authenticate SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria, with unapproved equipment facing restrictions from local mobile networks.
The commission disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, titled, “NCC Strengthens Type Approval Compliance for SIM-Enabled Devices in Nigeria.”
The initiative, known as the Device Management System (DMS), aims to strengthen regulatory compliance, identify illegally imported devices and improve security within the telecommunications sector.
According to the commission, the system will operate through a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which will maintain the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of devices used across the country.
The IMEI is a unique identification number assigned to mobile devices, allowing regulators to distinguish between compliant equipment and devices that fail to meet approved standards.
The new framework covers SIM-enabled communications equipment imported into, sold or used in Nigeria. The NCC said importers, manufacturers and suppliers must ensure that their devices obtain the required type approval before they enter the market.
The commission has begun the first phase of implementation, which includes registering existing devices held in retail stock and ensuring that future imports meet the necessary requirements. It is also working with the Nigeria Customs Service, equipment manufacturers, importers and market associations to enforce compliance.
The NCC will block unregistered devices and equipment that fail to meet its regulatory requirements from accessing Nigerian mobile networks. The system will also help authorities identify illegally imported equipment and block stolen devices reported by their owners.
Beyond regulatory enforcement, the NCC said the initiative would strengthen consumer confidence and support better network performance.
However, the commission has assured Nigerians that the system will not grant it access to personal files, messages or other content stored on their devices. It explained that the platform focuses on hardware identification and compliance rather than monitoring private communications.
The NCC said the initiative forms part of its responsibility under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires relevant telecommunications equipment to obtain type approval before sale or use in Nigeria.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
