Nigerian Communications Commission Steps Up Monitoring of SIM-Enabled Devices

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the implementation of an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework aimed at identifying non-compliant, cloned and counterfeit SIM-enabled communications devices operating in Nigeria.

At a media briefing in Abuja, the Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the Commission, Edoyemi Ogo, explained that the enhanced compliance framework would strengthen regulatory oversight of communication devices sold and used across the country.

Ogo said the initiative was part of the Commission’s statutory responsibility under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, particularly Section 132(2), which requires relevant service providers, facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to obtain type approval before communication equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.

According to him, “the framework is designed to ensure that devices operating on Nigerian telecommunications networks meet established technical standards and comply with applicable regulatory requirements.”

He noted that type approval was essential
for ensuring compatibility with network infrastructure, protecting consumers, improving service quality and sustaining confidence in the country’s digital economy.

“The integrity of the telecommunications industry depends not only on network infrastructure but also on the quality, safety and compliance of the devices assessed and used on these networks,” he said.

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He explained that the enhanced framework would facilitate electronic verification of the type approval status of SIM-enabled devices, making it easier for the Commission to identify non-compliant equipment and improve the effectiveness of its regulatory activities.

Ogo said the initiative followed the issuance of the Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024, after which the Commission conducted stakeholder engagements, market studies and consultations involving original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers, service providers, government agencies and industry associations.

Collaboration

He said the Commission had also collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service, manufacturers, importers and relevant market associations to ensure effective implementation.

According to him, devices already in stock have been appropriately onboarded, while devices imported into the country in the future would be subjected to verification and authentication processes.

The NCC director said the measures would help prevent fake, cloned and non-compliant devices from connecting to telecommunications networks, while creating a fairer and more transparent business environment for legitimate operators.

He urged Nigerians to take an active role in ensuring compliance by verifying the approval status of devices before purchasing them.

“When buying a phone, a tablet, a modem, a POS terminal or any device that uses a SIM, we encourage consumers to ask the seller if the device is NCC-approved and also verify its approval status independently,” he said.

Addressing concerns about privacy, he clarified that the compliance framework was strictly designed for device identification and regulatory purposes and did not give the Commission access to users’ personal communications or information stored on their devices.

He explained that the framework maintains device identification information, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, to support regulatory compliance.

He said, “the initiative is not a surveillance tool and does not provide the Commission with access to the content of communications, photographs, messages, contacts, financial information or any other personal information stored on users’ devices.”

According to him, consumer privacy remained protected in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.

The Director further assured stakeholders that the Commission would sustain and intensify public sensitisation and awareness campaigns to ensure that consumers, businesses and other industry participants understood the objectives of the initiative and their respective responsibilities.

Ogo urged journalists to support the initiative through accurate reporting, informed analysis and sustained public education, noting that public understanding was fundamental to the success of regulatory policies.

He concluded by reaffirming NCC’s commitment to strengthening consumer protection, improving regulatory effectiveness and promoting a safer, more reliable and trusted telecommunications environment in Nigeria.