The Nigerian Communications Commission has begun implementing a technology-based framework designed to strengthen enforcement of Type Approval rules for SIM-enabled devices sold and used in Nigeria.
The commission said the new Device Management System would allow it to electronically determine whether phones and other communications equipment had been properly registered and approved.
Under the Nigerian Communications Act, service providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers are required to obtain Type Approval before communications equipment can be sold or used in the country.
NCC said the automated system would improve oversight of the device market, strengthen network performance, identify non-compliant equipment and increase consumer confidence.
The first phase is being implemented with the Nigeria Customs Service, original equipment manufacturers, importers and market associations.
The commission said the initial exercise would capture devices already in stock while ensuring that newly imported equipment was registered and authenticated before entering the market.
Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity Edoyemi Ogoh said the framework builds on Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 and supports the creation of a Central Equipment Identity Register.
The register will maintain International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers for SIM-enabled devices operating in Nigeria.
Ogoh said devices that are not properly registered would not be permitted to operate on Nigerian mobile networks. The system could also make it easier to identify illegally imported equipment and block devices reported stolen.
He stressed that the platform was designed for device identification and compliance and would not give the NCC access to users’ personal communications or the contents of their devices.
