The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the registration and authentication of all SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria, in a move aimed at tightening control over illegally imported and non-compliant equipment. Under the new framework, SIM-enabled devices brought into the country must be registered before they can be sold, while unregistered devices will be blocked from operating on Nigerian mobile networks.
The telecoms regulator said the initiative is designed to create a central registry for communications devices operating in Nigeria and strengthen compliance with its Type Approval requirements. The framework will use technology to identify whether devices meet the required technical and regulatory standards, with the Device Management System serving as the backbone for automated monitoring and enforcement.
According to the NCC, the first phase of the programme will cover devices already held in stock as well as newly imported equipment. The commission is working with the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers, importers and relevant market associations to ensure that devices entering the Nigerian market are properly registered and authenticated before reaching consumers.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the NCC said the system would also help tackle the circulation of stolen and illegally imported devices. Through the use of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, stolen devices can be identified and blocked from accessing participating Nigerian mobile networks, even if the SIM card inside the device is replaced. The commission said the measure would improve consumer confidence and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.
The NCC, however, said the new central device registry is not designed to monitor subscribers’ private communications. According to the regulator, the system will focus on device identification and Type Approval compliance and will not provide access to personal content stored on users’ devices. The commission said the initiative is ultimately intended to ensure that communications equipment sold and used in Nigeria meets approved standards while making it easier to detect non-compliant devices earlier in the supply chain.
source: punch
