The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a new registration and authentication framework for SIM-enabled communications devices, as the telecoms regulator moves to curb illegal imports and improve compliance with technical standards.
Under the new framework, SIM-enabled devices entering Nigeria must be registered and authenticated before they can be sold, while unregistered devices will be barred from operating on Nigerian mobile networks.
The NCC disclosed this 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 initiative is designed to strengthen enforcement of the commission’s Type Approval requirements, which require communications equipment sold or used in Nigeria to meet prescribed technical and regulatory standards.
The commission said it is deploying a technology-enabled Device Management System (DMS) to automate the monitoring and authentication of SIM-enabled devices.
The system will enable the NCC to electronically determine whether devices comply with its Type Approval requirements and provide greater visibility over equipment entering and operating in the Nigerian 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.
The first phase of the implementation will cover devices already held in stock, while new devices imported into the country will also be required to undergo registration and authentication.
The commission said it had commenced engagements with the Nigeria Customs Service, original equipment manufacturers, importers and relevant market associations to support implementation.
The new framework will establish a Central Equipment Identity Register containing the International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers of SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria.
Edoyemi Ogoh, NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, said the initiative was based on the Type Approval Business Rules issued in August 2024.
He said the rules provided the regulatory foundation for establishing a central registry that would allow the commission to determine whether devices entering and operating in Nigeria meet required standards.
“By establishing a central registry of the International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers of devices in Nigeria, the Commission will be better positioned to ensure effective and efficient compliance with its Type Approval requirements,” Ogoh said.
He added that all SIM-enabled communications devices brought into the country would now have to be registered before being sold.
“Devices that are not duly registered will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian networks,” he said.
The framework could have significant implications for importers, distributors and retailers operating in Nigeria’s mobile-device market.
By linking device registration to network access, the NCC will have an additional mechanism for identifying equipment that enters the country outside recognised regulatory and import channels.
The commission said the system would make it easier to identify illegally imported and non-compliant devices before they become widely distributed.
The move also strengthens regulatory oversight of the growing market for mobile phones and other communications equipment capable of using SIM cards.
Beyond Type Approval enforcement, the NCC said the system would help address device theft.
Devices reported stolen could be identified through their IMEI numbers and blocked from accessing Nigerian mobile networks.
This means a stolen device could remain blocked even if the SIM card inside it is replaced.
The commission said the technology would therefore provide benefits beyond regulatory compliance by strengthening the security and integrity of Nigeria’s communications-device ecosystem.
The establishment of a central database of device identifiers could raise concerns over privacy and possible monitoring of subscribers.
However, the NCC said the DMS was designed specifically for device identification and Type Approval compliance.
Ogoh said the system would store identification information, including IMEI numbers, but would not give the commission access to information stored on users’ devices or enable it to monitor private communications.
The framework derives its regulatory backing from 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 said the new system is expected to improve compliance, strengthen consumer confidence and ensure that devices connected to Nigerian telecommunications networks meet established technical standards.
