The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has registered approximately 231 million telecommunications devices as it strengthens enforcement against counterfeit, cloned and non-compliant phones seeking access to the country’s mobile networks.
The commission said devices already connected to Nigerian telecommunications networks before the new verification framework took effect were automatically captured, meaning existing users generally do not need to undertake additional registration.
The disclosure was made by the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh, during a media briefing in Abuja on the implementation of the Device Checker and Type Approval Compliance framework.
The initiative is designed to help consumers confirm whether devices meet the applicable technical requirements while improving regulatory oversight of phones and other equipment entering the Nigerian market.
New devices face verification requirements
Under the framework, newly introduced devices must satisfy the relevant verification requirements before they can access Nigerian mobile networks.
The NCC said it was working with the Nigeria Customs Service, manufacturers, importers and dealers to improve the authentication of telecommunications devices before they enter the market.
The system is also intended to help regulators identify information about importers, import dates and device quantities, strengthening efforts to trace the supply of counterfeit products.
The framework covers SIM-enabled equipment, including smartphones, feature phones, cellular tablets, eligible Internet of Things devices, SIM-enabled point-of-sale terminals and cellular laptops.
Ogoh said devices that were already connected before the system became operational would not be retrospectively disconnected simply because they might not meet current approval standards.
The approach is intended to protect consumers who purchased devices before the verification tools became available, while preventing additional non-compliant devices from entering the market.
How consumers can check their phones
The commission has urged Nigerians to verify devices before purchasing them, particularly when buying used phones or equipment from unfamiliar sellers.
Consumers can use the NCC’s Device Checker service by dialling *315# or visiting the commission’s official website. A device’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number can be displayed by dialling *#06#.
The IMEI is a device identifier that can help distinguish one mobile device from another. Depending on the device, users may see more than one IMEI number.
The NCC advises consumers to check the verification status before paying for a device and to contact the seller or relevant service provider if a problem arises.
Consumers should use only the commission’s official verification channels and should never disclose a one-time verification code to an unrelated caller or seller.
Regulator addresses privacy concerns
The rollout could raise questions among consumers about how device identifiers are used and whether the system allows authorities to access personal information.
The NCC has said the framework is not designed to provide access to personal content stored on devices, such as messages, photographs, contacts or financial records.
The commission explained that the system focuses on device identification and regulatory compliance rather than the contents of personal communications.
It also stressed that the initiative builds on existing type-approval requirements under Nigerian telecommunications regulations, rather than introducing the underlying requirement for the first time.
What the framework means for the market
Counterfeit and cloned devices can expose consumers to poor-quality products and make it more difficult for regulators and network operators to identify equipment reliably.
The NCC expects improved verification to support consumer protection and help address device-related problems affecting telecommunications networks.
For retailers and importers, the strengthened checks increase the importance of ensuring that products meet approval requirements before they are sold or distributed.
For consumers, the key precaution is to check a device’s status before purchase, especially in the second-hand market.
The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on consistent enforcement, public awareness and cooperation across the device supply chain. The commission’s stated aim is to prevent further entry of non-compliant devices while avoiding unnecessary disruption for existing users.
