By Bose Adelaja
CITIZENS COMPASS— Did you recently receive a short message (SMS) from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) about verifying your devices to avoid being cut off from the network? If yes, you need to take some urgent steps to avoid being caught in the web.
An example of such sms is: “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 purpose is to warn users that unapproved smartphones, tablets, routers, or POS terminals face network disconnection after a 30-day window.
This has thrown many phone users into panic as they don’t know the next line of action.
In the midst of this, NCC has come up with a regulatory requirement called Type Approval for this category of subscribers.
The commission, at a recent press conference at its head office annex in Abuja, revealed measures to be taken by stakeholders.
The media engagement aimed at alerting Nigerians about the implementation of Type Approval Compliance for SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria.
Speaking, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, Director, Technical Standards And Network Integrity, said Type Approval is not merely a regulatory requirement. “It is a vital mechanism for protecting consumers, safeguarding network performance and preserving confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, licensed service providers, facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval from the Commission before communications equipment may be sold or used in Nigeria.”
Speaking further, Ogoh said:
The purpose of this regulatory requirement is straightforward. Devices operating on Nigerian networks must meet established technical standards and comply with applicable regulatory requirements. This helps to ensure compatibility with network infrastructure, protect users, improve overall service quality and strengthen trust in the communications ecosystem
As part of its ongoing regulatory responsibilities, the Commission has commenced the implementation of an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework that enables more efficient and effective monitoring of compliance obligations applicable to SIM-enabled communications devices operating within the Nigerian market.
The framework supports the Commission’s statutory mandate by facilitating electronic verification of the Type Approval status of such devices.
This initiative represents an important evolution in regulatory oversight. As the telecommunications industry continues to expand in scale and complexity, regulatory tools must evolve accordingly.
The Commission’s objective in this regard is to enhance compliance, improve regulatory effectiveness, and ensure that legitimate businesses can operate in a fair and transparent environment.
The initiative supports the Commission’s broader efforts to strengthen the integrity of devices in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. It will improve compliance with applicable standards, enhance network performance, facilitate the identification of noncompliant devices, and strengthen consumer confidence in devices sold and used within the country.
Let me state at this point that the Commission has not approached this initiative in isolation. Following the issuance of the Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024, the Commission undertook extensive stakeholder engagements, market studies, and consultations across the device value chain. These engagements involved original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers, service providers, government agencies, and industry associations. Insights arising from those consultations informed both the design and implementation approach adopted by the Commission.
The Commission has also continued to work closely with critical stakeholders across the device value chain, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment
Manufacturers, importers and relevant market associations. This collaborative approach reflects our belief that effective regulation is best achieved through partnership, consultation and shared responsibility, consistent with the Commission’s firm belief in collaboration.
We have also ensured that devices currently in stock are appropriately onboarded and that devices imported into Nigeria going forward are properly verified and authenticated. This will provide a more effective mechanism for identifying noncompliant, cloned, or fake devices and prevent them from connecting to our networks.
Every consumer deserves confidence that the communications devices being purchased and used meet required standards. Consumers should not have to worry about whether a device is technically compliant, whether it poses avoidable security risks or whether it may negatively affect their experience on telecommunications networks.
By strengthening Type Approval compliance, the Commission helps address these concerns. The implementation creates an environment in which consumers can have greater confidence in the devices available within the Nigerian marketplace. It also contributes to a healthier device environment in which compliance becomes the norm rather than the exception.
When buying a phone, tablet, modem, POS terminal, or any device that uses a SIM, before you pay, we encourage consumers to ask the seller if the device is NCC Type Approved.
Things to consider
The compliance framework is designed solely to support device identification and Type Approval Compliance. It maintains device identification information, including IMEI numbers, for regulatory purposes. It does not provide the Commission with access to the content of users’ devices, nor does it enable the Commission to monitor personal communications. The objective of the initiative is regulatory compliance relating to communications devices. It is not a surveillance tool and does not provide access to personal information stored on devices.
Transparency remains a key principle guiding the Commission’s implementation approach, and we remain committed to continuous public engagement throughout the process.
Let me, therefore, reiterate an important point. The Commission recognises that consumers have legitimate expectations regarding the privacy and security of their personal information. The Type Approval Compliance framework is not designed for surveillance. It 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. The framework is limited to device is identification information required to support regulatory compliance and facilitate the identification of devices that may not meet applicable Type Approval requirements.
Consumer privacy remains fully protected in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
With the commencement of enhanced compliance, the Commission will sustain and intensify stakeholder sensitisation and public awareness activities. This is with the expectation that stakeholders understand both the purpose of the initiative and their respective responsibilities.
Strengthening Type Approval compliance is an important step in supporting consumer protection, enhancing regulatory effectiveness, improving oversight of the device value chain and strengthening confidence in communications devices sold and used in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Communications Commission remains fully committed to working with allowed stakeholders to ensure a successful implementation process founded on transparency, collaboration and public interest.
