The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the first phase of an automated system for registering and authenticating SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria as part of efforts to strengthen compliance with its Type Approval requirements.
The Commission said the initiative, powered by its Device Management System (DMS), would enable it to electronically determine the compliance status of devices and improve oversight of the communications equipment market.
The development means SIM-enabled communications devices imported into Nigeria will be required to undergo registration before being sold, while devices that are not duly registered will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian networks.
The NCC said the framework would also assist in identifying non-compliant and illegally imported devices and provide a mechanism for blocking devices reported stolen from operating across Nigerian mobile networks.
Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval from the Commission before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.
According to the Commission, the automated framework is expected to strengthen compliance with technical and regulatory standards, improve network performance and boost consumer confidence in communications devices sold and used in the country.
The first phase of the implementation involves collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations.
The Commission said existing devices held in stock are being onboarded as part of the process, while devices imported into the country going forward will be required to be appropriately registered and authenticated.
This, the NCC said, would enable it to identify non-compliant devices and equipment that entered the country illegally before such products become widely deployed.
Speaking on the rollout, the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, said the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 provided the regulatory foundation for the establishment of a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).
The register will maintain information on SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria, including their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.
Ogoh said that following the issuance of the rules, the Commission conducted stakeholder engagements and market studies which informed the design and eventual deployment of the system.
He explained that the centralised registry would strengthen the Commission’s ability to monitor Type Approval compliance and ensure that devices imported into, sold and used in Nigeria meet the required standards.
Ogoh said: “With the deployment of this 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 added that the system would address some of the challenges associated with Nigeria’s device market by making it easier to identify illegally imported and non-compliant equipment.
According to him, the framework would also support efforts to prevent stolen devices from being used on Nigerian mobile networks.
The Commission, however, sought to reassure members of the public over the nature of information accessible through the system.
Ogoh said the platform was developed specifically for device identification and Type Approval compliance and would not give the NCC access to the contents of users’ devices.
He explained that although the system maintains device identification information, including IMEI numbers, it does not enable the Commission to monitor users’ personal communications.
The NCC said the implementation of the framework forms part of its broader efforts to improve the integrity of Nigeria’s communications device ecosystem and ensure that equipment available to consumers complies with applicable regulatory and technical standards.
