NCC Moves to Block Unapproved, Illegally Imported SIM-Enabled Devices

 NCC Moves to Block Unapproved, Illegally Imported SIM-Enabled Devices

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is strengthening enforcement of its Type Approval requirements for SIM-enabled communications devices through an automated technology-driven compliance framework designed to identify non-compliant and illegally imported devices.

The initiative is part of the Commission’s mandate to ensure that communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria comply with applicable technical and regulatory standards.

Under the new framework, the NCC’s Device Management System (DMS) will serve as the technology platform for electronically determining the Type Approval status of SIM-enabled devices in the country.

The Commission said the system is expected to make Type Approval compliance more efficient, consistent and effective while strengthening oversight of Nigeria’s communications device ecosystem.

The move is backed by Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to obtain Type Approval from the NCC before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.

The Commission has commenced the first phase of implementing the automated compliance framework, working with key stakeholders including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers and relevant market associations.

According to the NCC, the initial phase focuses on onboarding devices already held in stock and ensuring that devices imported into Nigeria going forward are properly registered and authenticated.

The Commission said this would provide a more effective mechanism for detecting non-compliant and illegally imported devices before they become widespread in the Nigerian market.

Speaking on the rollout, NCC Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, said the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 provided the regulatory foundation for establishing a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) for SIM-enabled communications devices in Nigeria.

“Following the issuance of the Rules, the Commission commenced extensive stakeholder engagements and market studies, which informed the eventual design and deployment of the system,” Ogoh said.

He explained that beyond improving compliance with Type Approval requirements, the technology would also help address broader challenges associated with the communications device market.

According to him, illegally imported and non-compliant devices would be easier to identify, while devices reported stolen could be blocked from operating across Nigerian mobile networks.

Ogoh, however, assured members of the public that the platform was designed strictly to support device identification and Type Approval compliance.

He said the system would maintain device identification information, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, but would not give the NCC access to the contents of users’ devices.

He also clarified that the platform does not enable the Commission to monitor users’ personal communications.

The NCC said the technology-enabled framework is expected to improve regulatory oversight, strengthen consumer protection and promote greater accountability among manufacturers, importers, suppliers and other stakeholders within Nigeria’s communications device market.