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By Chinenye Anuforo
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to curb the circulation of counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised mobile devices in Nigeria through its Device Checker Platform, expanded stakeholder sensitisation and stricter enforcement of technical standards.
The initiative is designed to strengthen compliance with equipment type approval requirements, protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of telecommunications networks as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand.
Tunji Jimoh, Zonal Controller of the NCC, disclosed this in Lagos on Thursday while representing the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, at a media briefing on the Device Checker Platform.
Jimoh said the Commission had streamlined its licensing and regularisation process, enabling a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to obtain the required licences.
He added that the NCC had conducted sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry stakeholders in Lagos and other parts of the country to deepen awareness of type approval requirements and obligations under the device verification framework.
According to the Commission, the initiative is aimed at ensuring that SIM-enabled devices connected to Nigerian telecommunications networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards.
The circulation of non-compliant, counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised devices poses challenges to consumer protection, regulatory compliance and network integrity, making effective verification and enforcement increasingly important.
To address these concerns, the NCC has developed a user-friendly Device Checker application that enables authorised stakeholders to scan International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload device information directly to the platform.
The Commission said the application would simplify compliance procedures, improve verification efficiency and strengthen accountability among manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers in the mobile device supply chain.
Consumers can also verify the status of a mobile device before purchase through the Commission’s online portal by entering the device’s IMEI number.
The NCC has also provided a Type Approval and Device Verification Guide to help manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers understand their responsibilities under the framework.
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Organisations seeking equipment type approval can access information on application requirements and procedures through the Commission’s official channels.
The regulatory agency said the resources were intended to simplify compliance for industry participants while empowering consumers to make informed purchasing decisions.
Type approval is the process through which telecommunications equipment is assessed against prescribed technical requirements to establish its suitability for use within the applicable regulatory framework.
The Commission urged consumers to verify devices before purchase and to patronise reputable, licensed dealers to reduce the risk of buying counterfeit or non-compliant equipment.
It also encouraged industry stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the published guidelines and to ensure that devices entering and circulating in the Nigerian market meet applicable requirements.
Addressing concerns about privacy, the NCC stressed that the Device Checker Platform was not a surveillance tool and did not access personal data, messages, photographs, contacts, financial information or other private content stored on users’ devices.
Rather, the platform’s function is limited to device identification and regulatory compliance verification.
Consumers requiring assistance with device verification or other consumer protection matters can contact the Commission through its 315 toll-free consumer line.
The NCC reiterated its commitment to consumer protection, fair competition and network integrity, noting that collaboration among regulators, manufacturers, importers, dealers and consumers would be important to achieving effective compliance.
However, the success of the initiative will depend on widespread adoption of the verification platform, sustained industry sensitisation and consistent enforcement of type approval requirements across the mobile device supply chain.
