BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it has commenced implementing an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework for SIM-enabled communications devices.
This the commission said will help identify non-compliant, cloned or fake devices and stop them from connecting to Nigerian networks.
Speaking in Abuja, the NCC’s director Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, at a news conference in Abuja, said the framework enables more efficient monitoring of compliance obligations and supports electronic verification of the Type Approval status of SIM-enabled devices operating in the Nigerian market.
He said that under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, licensed service providers, facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers must obtain Type Approval from the Commission before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.
According to him, the requirement ensures that devices on Nigerian networks meet established technical standards and regulatory requirements, which helps ensure compatibility with network infrastructure, protect users, improve service quality and strengthen trust in the communications ecosystem.
Addressing concerns raised during stakeholder engagements, Ogoh stated that the framework is designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval compliance. It maintains device identification information, including IMEI numbers, for regulatory purposes.
“It is not a surveillance tool,” he said, adding that the framework does not give the Commission access to the content of users’ devices or enable it to monitor personal communications. He said it does not provide access to communications, photographs, messages, contacts, financial information or any other personal information stored on devices, and that consumer privacy remains protected under applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
Ogoh said the initiative followed the issuance of the Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024, after which the Commission held stakeholder engagements, market studies and consultations across the device value chain. These involved Original Equipment Manufacturers, importers, dealers, service providers, government agencies and industry associations. The Commission continues to work with the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers, importers and market associations.
He added that devices currently in stock are being onboarded, while devices imported into Nigeria going forward will be verified and authenticated.
The Commission encouraged consumers to take an active part in the process. “When buying a phone, tablet, modem, POS terminal or any device that uses a SIM, before you pay, we encourage consumers to ask the seller if the device is NCC Type Approved,” Ogoh said.
He said the initiative would improve compliance with standards, enhance network performance, facilitate the identification of non-compliant devices and strengthen consumer confidence in devices sold and used in the country.
Ogoh said the Commission would sustain and intensify stakeholder sensitisation and public awareness activities now that enhanced compliance has commenced. He called on government agencies, industry operators, manufacturers, dealers, market associations, consumer groups and the media to play their roles, and appealed to the media in particular to help the public understand the importance of Type Approval compliance through accurate reporting.
The NCC said it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure an implementation process founded on transparency, collaboration and public interest.
