The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has advised Nigerians to confirm that mobile phones and other SIM-enabled devices are approved before paying for them, as the telecommunications regulator begins enforcing stricter checks to tackle counterfeit and unauthorised equipment.
The commission said consumers should not rely solely on assurances from phone dealers but should independently confirm that any device they intend to purchase meets Nigeria’s telecommunications standards.
Edoyemi Ogoh, the NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, gave the advice during a media roundtable in Abuja on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
He explained that the commission had introduced an improved electronic verification system to protect consumers, strengthen network performance and identify devices that do not meet regulatory requirements.
How Nigerians Can Verify Phones Before Buying
Under the new arrangement, buyers can check whether a smartphone, tablet, modem or other SIM-enabled device has been approved for use on Nigerian mobile networks.
The NCC has provided a toll-free assistance line, 315, through which consumers can obtain guidance on device verification.
Buyers can also dial *315# or visit the commission’s official Device Checker portal at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker to confirm a device’s approval status.
The verification process may require the phone’s International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), a unique 15-digit identification number assigned to mobile devices.
Consumers can usually find this number by dialling *#06# on the phone or checking the device’s settings and original packaging.
The regulator encouraged customers to complete these checks before making payments, particularly when buying from unfamiliar dealers or purchasing second-hand devices.
NCC Introduces Stronger Checks Against Fake Phones
Ogoh explained that the enhanced system would help the commission identify devices that had entered the Nigerian market without meeting the required technical standards.
The initiative also targets counterfeit phones, equipment with duplicated identification numbers and other communication devices that may not be suitable for Nigerian networks.
According to the commission, poorly regulated devices can contribute to network interference, unreliable connectivity and other service problems.
The NCC believes improved verification will help reduce these risks while making it easier for Nigerians to identify devices that are approved for use.
The exercise covers smartphones, basic mobile phones, cellular tablets, SIM-enabled laptops, eligible Internet of Things equipment and certain point-of-sale terminals.
What the New Device Verification System Means
The verification programme operates through the NCC’s Device Management System (DMS), which supports electronic checks on communication equipment entering or operating within Nigeria.
The system uses a Central Equipment Identity Register to maintain records of device identifiers and establish whether equipment meets the commission’s approval requirements.
Under the enhanced framework, newly imported SIM-enabled devices must complete the relevant verification procedures before entering the market.
The regulator has warned that devices confirmed to be non-compliant may be prevented from connecting to Nigerian mobile networks.
However, the commission has clarified that mobile phones already connected to Nigerian networks before October 7, 2026, were automatically verified under the rollout arrangements.
Owners of such devices are generally not required to register them again, although anyone receiving a compliance warning should follow the official guidance.
Why NCC Is Tightening Telecom Equipment Regulations
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry supports millions of people who depend on mobile devices for business, education, financial services, healthcare and everyday communication.
Ogoh said maintaining reliable networks required attention not only to telecom infrastructure but also to the devices connected to it.
The commission’s authority comes from the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, particularly Section 132(2), which establishes approval requirements for relevant communications equipment.
The NCC also introduced updated Type Approval Regulations and Business Rules in 2024 to strengthen compliance procedures.
The current initiative therefore represents stronger enforcement of existing requirements rather than an entirely new obligation for mobile phone manufacturers and suppliers.
NCC Works With Customs, Importers and Phone Dealers
The commission said it had consulted manufacturers, importers, telecommunications operators, dealers and other industry stakeholders before implementing the enhanced framework.
It is also working with the Nigeria Customs Service to improve checks on devices entering the country.
These efforts include verifying newly imported equipment and helping suppliers bring existing stock into compliance with regulatory standards.
The NCC said the process would support legitimate businesses by making it more difficult for unapproved and counterfeit devices to compete with properly certified products.
However, some industry stakeholders previously expressed concerns about the time allowed to register existing stock and the possible financial implications for dealers.
The commission subsequently extended an earlier compliance deadline to October 6, 2026, before the new verification arrangements took effect.
NCC Addresses Privacy Concerns Over IMEI Registration
The use of device identification numbers has also raised questions about privacy and the information available to telecommunications regulators.
Ogoh maintained that the system was designed for equipment identification and regulatory compliance, not for monitoring the private activities of phone users.
According to the NCC, the platform does not provide access to the contents of messages, photographs, personal files or private telephone conversations.
Device identifiers may nevertheless be associated with mobile numbers during verification, making responsible management of collected information an important part of the programme.
The commission said it would continue protecting consumer privacy under applicable laws and regulatory safeguards.
NCC Warns Against Buying Unverified Devices
The regulator advised Nigerians to exercise caution when buying phones from informal markets, unfamiliar online sellers and other sources where the approval status may be uncertain.
Consumers whose intended purchases fail verification should ask the seller to resolve the problem before paying.
An unsuccessful verification result does not necessarily prove that a phone is counterfeit, but it may indicate that additional checks or corrective action are required.
The NCC also warned consumers against unofficial verification websites and individuals requesting one-time security codes.
Nnenna Ukoha, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, said the stronger approval system would contribute to consumer protection and improved telecommunications services.
She linked the initiative to Nigeria’s wider ambition to develop a more secure and competitive digital economy.
For consumers, the immediate message is to verify a device’s approval status before purchasing it rather than discovering potential network restrictions after spending their money.
