The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the implementation of a technology-enabled framework to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of Type Approval requirements for SIM-enabled communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria.
The initiative, powered by the Commission’s Device Management System (DMS), is designed to enable the NCC to electronically determine the Type Approval compliance status of SIM-enabled devices and improve oversight of Nigeria’s communications device ecosystem.
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.
The Commission said the automated compliance framework would make Type Approval enforcement more efficient, consistent and effective, while improving adherence to applicable technical and regulatory standards.
According to the NCC, the system is also expected to enhance network performance, facilitate the identification of non-compliant devices and strengthen consumer confidence in communications devices sold and used in Nigeria.
The Commission has commenced the first phase of implementing the automated Type Approval compliance framework in collaboration with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations.
The first phase focused on onboarding existing devices currently held in stock and ensuring that devices imported into Nigeria going forward are appropriately registered and authenticated.
The NCC said the process would provide it with 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, said the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 provided the regulatory framework for establishing a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which maintains a registry of SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria.
Ogoh explained that following the issuance of the rules, the Commission embarked on extensive stakeholder engagements and market studies, which informed the design and eventual deployment of the system.
He said establishing a central registry of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers would better position the Commission to ensure effective and efficient compliance with Type Approval requirements and ensure that devices imported into, sold and used in Nigeria meet applicable standards.
“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,” Ogoh said.
He added that the technology would also help address some of the wider challenges associated with Nigeria’s device market.
According to him, illegally imported and non-compliant devices would become easier to identify, while devices reported stolen could be blocked from use across Nigerian mobile networks.
The NCC, however, stressed that the new platform is not a surveillance system and is designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval compliance.
Ogoh assured Nigerians that the system would maintain device identification information, including IMEI numbers, but would not provide the Commission with access to the contents of users’ devices or enable it to monitor personal communications.
The Commission said the deployment form part of its broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s communications device ecosystem and ensure that equipment entering and operating in the country meets established technical and regulatory standards.
