By CHIDIEBERE NWANKWO
To make type approval compliance easier for communication device OEMs and help consumers make informed decisions when purchasing approved devices, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has launched and begun implementing its device checker platform.
In a recent media presentation in Lagos, the Commission disclosed that the platform, which is strictly for device identification and regulatory compliance verification, covers SIM-based devices, including IoT devices, Routers, PoS terminals, among others.
The initiative, designed to strengthen type approval compliance, protect consumers, and enhance the integrity of communications devices used for Nigerian networks, will also strengthen the Commission’s oversight of devices entering the Nigerian market and improve its ability to identify potential irregularities in their importation and distribution.
Speaking at the briefing, Director and Zonal Controller, Lagos Zonal Office of the NCC, Mr. Tunji Jimoh explained: “As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is important that devices connected to our networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards. The device checker platform supports the verification of type approval status of SIM-enabled devices and helps address the circulation of non-compliant, counterfeit, cloned, and unauthorized devices in the market.”
He further noted that the Commission has made significant progress in implementing this initiative, stating that the Commission’s recent streamlining of licenses and regularising the process that enables a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to get licensed was a step towards achieving the same objectives. He assured that the Commission has, in addition, continued to strengthen stakeholder engagements with importers and other industry participants in Lagos and other parts of the country to deepen awareness of type approval requirements and device checker obligations. “Together, these initiatives have strengthened accountability across the device supply chain and improved compliance with regulatory requirements.”
To further simplify compliance processes, the Commission has developed a user-friendly device checker application that enables authorized stakeholders to quickly scan device IMEIs and upload information directly to the platform, improving efficiency and ease of compliance. The Commission has also enhanced resources available on its website through the Check Your Device portal, which is www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker, by entering a device IMEI number. For industry compliance guidance and onboarding assistance: visit www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide.
The Commission had earlier reminded Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs), importers, distributors, dealers and retailers of their statutory and regulatory obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.
“The Commission is strengthening the monitoring and enforcement of these existing requirements through technology-enabled verification to ensure that devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria meet applicable standards,” the statement said.
The NCC reminded all stakeholders involved in the manufacture, importation, supply and sale of SIM-enabled devices of the following compliance requirements:
Type Approval: All device models intended for importation, assembly and distribution or sale in Nigeria must have obtained the required NCC Type Approval. This requirement is as outlined in Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 in the Type Approval Regulations 2024.
Device Verification: OEMs, ODMs, importers and other responsible suppliers must ensure that the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information of individual devices is submitted through the approved compliance process for verification before sale and distribution.
Existing Stock: Distributors, dealers and retailers should confirm that devices already held in stock meet the applicable Type Approval and device verification requirements, working with their suppliers to resolve any outstanding compliance issues.
New Imports: Devices brought into Nigeria must comply with the applicable Type Approval and device verification requirements before being placed on the market.
The Commission, as part of its participatory regulatory approach, said it had undertaken extensive engagements with OEMs, ODMs, importers, and relevant industry associations, and is collaborating with the Nigeria Customs Service to ensure that the process will also support the reconciliation of import records, compliance with applicable duties, and fair competition by ensuring that businesses which meet their obligations are not disadvantaged by those which do not.
Explaining the technical standards, Assistant Director/Head, Wireless Networks, Technical Standards & Network Integrity Department, NCC, Engr. Kings Adeyemi noted that we are in the age where people use technology to solve problems, and therefore cannot afford to allow defective, and non-compliant gadgets into the market.
He also observed that the Commission realised that there are a lot of noncompliance, counterfeits, fake devices on the network, causing a lot of problems for consumers, prompting NCC to enforce strict compliance to the standards.
Engr. Adeyemi assured that has set processes in place to ensure strict compliance. These processes include periodic performance evaluation of type-approved devices and random sampling of devices to see if there are variations in the product over a 5-year period.
He also disclosed that all existing mobile phones and devices records have been migrated to the Device Checker database.
With this implementation, devices that fail to meet the applicable requirements may be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks, in accordance with the approved enforcement framework.
