NCC unveils device checker to tackle fake phones, protect users

By Haroon Abiodun

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured Nigerians that mobile phones already in use will generally continue to function under its enhanced Device Checker framework, as it steps up efforts to curb counterfeit and non-compliant devices.

The commission’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh, gave the assurance during a media briefing, saying the initiative was designed to protect consumers, improve network quality and strengthen compliance in the telecommunications market.

“Those that already had their devices before now and have been using them, you don’t need to do anything,” Ogoh said, adding that the commission did not intend to punish consumers who unknowingly bought non-compliant phones.

He explained that the framework would allow consumers to verify devices before purchase and avoid counterfeit products.

Ogoh said the NCC was also working with the Nigeria Customs Service to strengthen checks on devices imported into the country, while the Device Checker would help address compliance concerns involving phones already in the market.

According to him, non-compliant devices can contribute to network performance problems, affecting both their users and other subscribers sharing the same network infrastructure.

Addressing privacy concerns, Ogoh said the initiative was not intended to monitor personal communications or access information stored on users’ phones.

“The initiative is not a surveillance tool,” he said, explaining that the system uses device identification information, including the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, to support regulatory compliance.

On concerns about devices that could be wrongly flagged, Ogoh said affected consumers could seek investigation through the commission’s compliance and enforcement mechanisms, including efforts to identify the sellers or importers responsible.

He urged Nigerians to ask sellers about a device’s NCC type approval status and verify its compliance before making purchases.

The commission said the initiative was part of broader efforts to strengthen consumer protection, improve regulatory oversight and build confidence in mobile devices sold and used in Nigeria.