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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has called on telecommunications consumers across the country to verify the official approval status of all SIM card-enabled devices, including mobile phones, tablets and modems prior to purchase.
The Commission handed down the advice at a media roundtable in Abuja.
Briefing the media, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, Director of Technical Services and Network Integrity at the NCC urged consumers to always confirm that devices meet regulatory standards by utilising the commission’s toll-free line.
Call *315# To Verify Device Approval — NCC
“When buying a phone, tablet, modem, or any device that uses a SIM, consumers should ask the seller whether it is NCC-approved and independently verify its approval status,” Ogoh stated.
“The process is very easy, just call *315# which is toll-free, and you will always get someone to assist you with whatever device issues you may have,” he added.
Enhanced Type Approval Compliance Framework To Eliminate Counterfeit Devices
The telecommunications regulator revealed that it has commenced implementation of an enhanced type approval compliance framework. The initiative aims to enhance network performance, eliminate counterfeit and cloned devices from marketplace and safeguard consumer investment.
He said pursuant to Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, all equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers and service providers are legally required to obtain NCC type approval before offering communication equipment for sale or use in Nigeria.
Engr. Ogoh noted that the framework enables electronic verification of devices using International Mobile Equipment Identity, IMEI, numbers. He reassured public that system is strictly for device identification and regulatory compliance, addressing privacy concerns directly.
“The framework is strictly for device identification and regulatory compliance and is not a surveillance tool,” Ogoh clarified.
He emphasized that NCC does not collect personal data or financial information through the system.
NCC Engages Customs, OEMs, Importers On Implementation
Following release of its Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024, NCC has engaged key stakeholders including Nigeria Customs Service, original equipment manufacturers, OEMs, importers and service providers to ensure proper onboarding of existing inventory and authentication of incoming shipments.
Speaking earlier at the event, Mrs Nnenna Ukoha, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, described device verification and type approval as vital steps toward building secure digital ecosystem that supports Nigeria’s ambition of building a trillion-dollar digital economy.
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