NCC begins process to block unregistered phones and other SIM-enabled devices

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun strengthening its monitoring and enforcement of Type Approval requirements for SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria. The verification process will be done through a technology-backed initiative.

According to a statement seen by Technext and signed by Nnenna Ukoha, Director, Public Affairs, NCC, the commission noted that the move is part of its mandate to ensure that communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria meet applicable technical and regulatory standards. 

The policy is mainly directed at clearing the market of fake, substandard, or illegally smuggled phones that do not meet official safety and quality standards. By introducing a verification process, the NCC wants to eradicate untraceable devices, especially those used for fraudulent activities. 

According to 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 may be sold or used in Nigeria. The NCC is strengthening this enforcement to eradicate fake devices. 

The Commission noted that the Device Management System (DMS) will serve as the technology platform supporting the automated compliance framework. It allows the Commission to improve oversight of the device ecosystem.

NCC noted that the process is to improve compliance with regulatory standards and enhance network performance. It also aims to facilitate the identification of non-compliant devices and strengthen consumer confidence in devices sold and used in Nigeria.

What this means for Nigeria’s 195 million telecom subscribers 

The NCC wants to track the unique International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of every SIM-enabled device (phones, tablets, POS machines, routers) imported into or sold in Nigeria. To achieve this, it wants to deploy an automated Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system to track them. 

It’s an initiative where every device’s IMEI will be logged in a central database. With this, phones reported stolen will be permanently blocked across all Nigerian mobile networks, making them useless to thieves.

Once a stolen phone is reported, its unique ID (IMEI) is blacklisted across the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR). This prevents the phone from working on any mobile network in Nigeria, even if the thief changes the SIM card.

With this enforcement, criminals and scammers will also find it much harder to use illegal or unverified devices to carry out fraud anonymously.

The NCC has now directed that all importers, manufacturers, and sellers must register all SIM-enabled devices before selling them. Unregistered devices will be barred from connecting to MTN, Airtel, Globacom, or T2mobile (9mobile) networks.

Meanwhile, the commission clarified that the digital registry only tracks device identity numbers (IMEIs) and does not give the government or commission access to your messages, phone calls, or personal data.

Also Read: NCC directs telecom operators to create dedicated cybersecurity budgets.

How the NCC is implementing this

NCC noted that the first phase of implementing the automated Type Approval compliance framework has commenced. The phase involved securing partnerships with stakeholders such as the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations. 

Also, the phase includes onboarding existing devices currently held in stock and ensuring that devices imported into the country are appropriately registered and authenticated. It allows the commission to identify non-compliant and illegally imported devices before they are sold nationwide.

While reacting to the development, the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, noted that the initiative put the commission in a better position to curb the use of substandard devices. 

“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 and to ensure that devices imported into, sold and used in Nigeria meet the 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,” he said. 

Oghor reiterated that the technology does not empower the commission to track personal information but only to provide access to verifications upon proper registration.