Reps seek NCC ‘s phone verification rules reviewed over price hike fears

The House of Representatives has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to consider a review of its recently announced mobile phone device verification requirements.

The new framework, implemented through the Device Management System and the Central Equipment Identity Register, enables the identification and verification of mobile phones and other SIM-enabled devices using such devices’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers.

The House’s call was borne out of worries that the policy may induce phone price increase, possibly leading to wrongful rejection or blocking of legitimately used devices.

The resolution on Thursday was fallout of a motion by Sani Wakili, seeking that NCC to review the device verification framework in consultation with other relevant stakeholders.

He said the enhanced verification requirements, which took effect on October 7, 2026 “impose compliance obligations on newly imported devices and could increase operating costs for importers and retailers.”

According to him, the additional costs could be passed on to consumers “through higher prices, making mobile phones less affordable, particularly for low-income Nigerians who depend on them for communication, education and business.”

He also pointed out the fear of possible technical errors, database mismatches and limitations in the commission’s scanning and verification systems, which could result in legitimate devices being unintentionally rejected or blocked.