The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has launched a nationwide registration and authentication system for SIM-enabled devices in a move to tackle illegal imports and ensure that communications equipment sold and used in Nigeria meets regulatory standards.
Under the new framework, devices that have not been registered and authenticated will be barred from connecting to Nigerian mobile networks.
The commission announced the initiative on Wednesday in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, titled, “NCC Strengthens Type Approval Compliance for SIM-Enabled Devices in Nigeria.”
The regulator said the exercise would establish a central database of SIM-enabled devices operating in the country and require newly imported equipment to undergo registration before being placed on the market.
The measure forms part of efforts to strengthen compliance with the NCC’s Type Approval regime, which requires communications equipment imported, manufactured, sold or deployed in Nigeria to meet prescribed technical and regulatory standards.
The commission said it was deploying a technology-driven framework that would enable it to electronically verify whether SIM-enabled devices have secured the necessary Type Approval.
At the heart of the initiative is the Device Management System, which the NCC said would automate compliance monitoring and give regulators greater oversight of the communications equipment market.
“The initiative is intended to make Type Approval compliance more efficient, consistent, and effective by enabling the Commission to electronically determine Type Approval compliance of SIM-enabled devices,” the NCC said.
According to the commission, the system will also help protect the integrity of Nigeria’s communications ecosystem by improving adherence to technical standards, supporting better network performance and making it easier to trace non-compliant equipment.
The regulatory action is anchored on Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to obtain NCC Type Approval before communications equipment can be sold or operated in Nigeria.
The NCC said implementation of the first phase of the automated compliance framework had commenced, with consultations involving the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers, importers and relevant market associations.
The initial phase will cover devices already held in stock, while new equipment entering the country will be subjected to registration and authentication.
The commission said the approach would strengthen its ability to identify illegally imported or otherwise non-compliant devices before they become widely distributed and connected to Nigerian networks.
The NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh, said the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024 provided the regulatory basis for the creation of a Central Equipment Identity Register.
The register will contain records of SIM-enabled communications devices operating in Nigeria and identify them through their International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers.
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