NCC set to disconnect unregistered phones | See how to check if your phone is approved for use in Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has started sending warnings to Nigerians who are holders of unregistered phone types, informing them that their unapproved smartphones will be disconnected from local cellular networks within 30 days.

The commission began sending the SMS notifications on Saturday morning under the sender ID “NCC-Checker”.

“Your (Device Model) is not verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks. You have 30 cumulative days before disconnection. Contact your seller or dial 315,” the SMS notification reads. 

The latest directive from the NCC’s Device Management System (DMS) enforcement framework mandates the registration and verification of all SIM-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, POS terminals, and routers, operating on all telecom networks in Nigeria.

Nigerians who receive the message are advised to contact their vendor or authorised retailers to ensure that their phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) has been properly cleared and registered with the NCC. 

Also read: Zero-rated: NCC, telcos roll out free 3GB/month mobile data initiative for 5 million students.

Recall that the NCC initiated the process in September. The solution, orchestrated through a technology-backed initiative, aims 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. 

In addition, the significance of this rests on how NCC wants to track the unique IMEI numbers of every SIM-enabled device imported into or sold in Nigeria, which makes the devices trackable when used for fraudulent activities. To achieve this, it wants to deploy an automated Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) system to track them. 

How to check your phone’s status

While NCC wants to ensure that imported devices meet safety and quality standards set by the commission, it’s important for Nigerians to check the status of their phone and ensure it meets compliance requirements under the device management system. 

To check if your phone is approved for use in Nigeria, *dial 315# and follow the instructions to check for your phone or another. 

If your phone is approved, the message “This device is NCC Type Approved and verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks” will pop up on your screen. 

If your phone is not approved, you have 30 days before it could be blocked from accessing Nigerian mobile networks.

The latest development means that the NCC has commenced the process of blocking unregistered phones from the market. In this regard, Nigerians buying new or used mobile devices are advised to test and verify the registration status prior to purchasing or completing transactions. 

Action for mobile device vendors 

The NCC isn’t making business difficult for phone vendors, especially those selling foreign used devices. The new process is a move to regulate the market and ensure that every phone has a unique code (IMEI) that makes it trackable. 

Vendors and retailers must adhere to the commission’s framework by taking appropriate steps to prevent customers’ devices from being disconnected. In line with the NCC requirement, vendors can work directly with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors for full compliance.

The Association of Mobile Phones and Allied Products Traders of Nigeria has, in September, rejected the NCC’s compulsory device registration move. The group claimed that the directive, which requires payment of registration fees, is another exploitative move.

In addition, the traders expressed that while they are not against the DMS introduction, which is designed to establish a register of mobile devices operating on Nigerian telecoms networks, they opposed the payment requirement for newly imported devices.

The President of the association, Musa Haruna Mamza, noted that the registration fee might have an indirect impact on Nigerians as vendors will look to recover the levy by increasing the cost of mobile phones, routers, POS machines and tablets.

Also read: NCC portal that curbs SIM card fraud to go live in October 2026.