The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced electronic checks on SIM-enabled devices to identify and block fake, cloned and non-compliant phones, modems and point-of-sale (PoS) terminals from accessing telecommunications networks in Nigeria.

The commission’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh, disclosed this on Tuesday during a news conference in Abuja, explaining that the measure was aimed at strengthening regulatory compliance, improving network performance and safeguarding consumers.

Ogoh said the initiative would enable the NCC to verify the approval status of telecommunications equipment already in circulation, as well as devices imported into the country in the future.

He explained that existing stocks had been onboarded onto the verification system, while newly imported devices would be subjected to authentication to ensure they met the commission’s technical requirements.

“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,” he said.

“This will provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant, cloned, or fake devices and prevent them from connecting to our networks.”

According to him, the initiative followed the introduction of the NCC’s type approval business rules in August 2024 and consultations with manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications operators, government agencies and industry associations.

He added that the commission had worked with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders in the device supply chain to facilitate the implementation of the framework.

Ogoh cited Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires communications equipment intended for sale or use in Nigeria to obtain NCC approval.

He noted that type approval ensures that telecommunications equipment complies with established technical standards before it is sold or deployed in the country.

The director urged consumers to confirm the approval status of phones, tablets, modems, PoS terminals and other SIM-enabled devices before purchasing them.

He warned that the use of unapproved equipment could affect network performance and undermine the reliability of telecommunications services.

Addressing concerns about privacy, Ogoh clarified that the verification system was designed exclusively to identify devices and establish their regulatory approval status, not to monitor users or access their personal information.

He said the system maintains device identification details, including International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers, for regulatory purposes.

“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,” he said.

Ogoh further assured consumers that the framework would not give the commission access to photographs, messages, contacts, financial information or the contents of private communications.

He said the NCC would sustain public awareness campaigns and consultations with industry stakeholders to ensure that consumers, businesses and equipment dealers understood the requirements and complied with the new framework.

The director emphasised that the success of the initiative would depend on collaboration among government agencies, network operators, manufacturers, dealers, consumer groups and the media.

He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to enforcing technical standards, preventing the circulation of counterfeit telecommunications equipment and protecting consumers as Nigeria’s telecommunications industry continues to grow.