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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced implementation of a technology-driven framework to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of Type Approval compliance for SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria.
The new system is designed to make compliance more efficient, consistent and effective by enabling the Commission to electronically verify devices entering and operating in the Nigerian market.
According to the NCC, the Device Management System (DMS) will serve as the technology platform supporting the automated compliance framework.
It will improve oversight of the device ecosystem and help ensure only approved devices are sold and used in Nigeria.
Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, licensed service providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval from the Commission before communications equipment can be sold or used in the country.
The NCC said the DMS will support its mandate by:
Improving compliance with technical and regulatory standards
Enhancing network performance
Facilitating identification of non-compliant devices
Strengthening consumer confidence in devices sold and used in Nigeria
The Commission said it has commenced the first phase of the automated framework and is working closely with critical stakeholders including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations.
This phase focuses on onboarding existing devices currently held in stock and ensuring that all devices imported into the country going forward are appropriately registered and authenticated.
This will give the Commission a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant and illegally imported devices before they enter widespread use.
Speaking on the rollout, the NCC 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).
“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,” he stated in a statement by Nnenna Ukoha, Director, Public Affairs, NCC.
Engr. Ogoh added 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 noted that beyond Type Approval, the platform will also help tackle wider market challenges. Illegally imported and non-compliant devices will be easier to identify, while devices reported stolen can be blocked from use across Nigerian mobile networks.
The Director assured the public that the platform is designed solely for 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.