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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review the implementation of its mobile phone verification framework over concerns that the new requirements could lead to the blocking of genuine devices, increase handset prices and deny millions of Nigerians access to affordable mobile phones.
The House expressed concern that technical errors, database mismatches and other challenges associated with the verification process could result in legitimate mobile phones, particularly second-hand devices, being rejected or blocked, thereby disrupting businesses and affecting low-income Nigerians who depend on affordable handsets for communication, education and economic activities.
Consequently, the lawmakers urged the NCC to consult relevant stakeholders with a view to simplifying the verification procedures, reducing compliance costs and establishing a fair and accessible process for verifying used mobile phones.
The Green Chamber also mandated its Committees on Communications and Commerce to engage the commission and other relevant stakeholders on the implementation of the framework and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sani Wakili, seeking a review of the implementation of the NCC’s mobile phone device verification requirements.
Leading debate on the motion, Wakili explained that the commission was strengthening the enforcement of Type Approval and device verification requirements for mobile phones and other Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-enabled devices through the Device Management System (DMS) and the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR).
He said the framework was designed to facilitate the identification and verification of mobile devices using their International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, as part of efforts to check counterfeit devices and illegally duplicated equipment.
The lawmaker acknowledged the importance of strengthening the identification of mobile devices but expressed concern that the implementation of the new requirements could impose additional financial and administrative burdens on importers, retailers and consumers.
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According to him, the framework, which was expected to take effect from October 7, 2026, introduced compliance requirements for newly imported devices, with the potential to increase operating costs for businesses and consequently push up mobile phone prices.
Wakili warned that the verification process could also create difficulties for Nigerians who legitimately purchased used or second-hand phones if technical deficiencies resulted in the rejection of otherwise genuine devices.
He expressed concern that “technical errors, database mismatches or limitations in the NCC’s scanning and verification system may result in legitimately used and second-hand mobile phones being rejected or blocked, thereby creating difficulties for lawful users and businesses.”
The lawmaker further argued that the additional compliance requirements could disproportionately affect small-scale importers and retailers, many of whom operate with limited financial resources and depend on the sale of affordable mobile devices.
“The cost and complexity of compliance may burden small-scale importers and retailers, disrupt legitimate trade and deny low-income and less privileged Nigerians access to affordable mobile phones essential for communication, education and business,” he said.
He maintained that while measures to combat counterfeit and illegally duplicated devices were necessary, their implementation should not impose avoidable hardship on legitimate businesses and consumers.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the NCC to review the implementation framework in consultation with relevant stakeholders, with particular attention to simplifying compliance procedures and reducing the financial burden on businesses.
It also called for a verification process that would accommodate legitimate second-hand mobile phones and prevent their wrongful rejection or blocking.
The Committees on Communications and Commerce are expected to examine the concerns raised, engage the relevant authorities and submit their findings and recommendations to the House within four weeks.
