NCC Tightens Checks To Keep Fake Devices Off Telecom Networks

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced stricter verification measures to prevent counterfeit, cloned and substandard communication devices from accessing telecommunications networks in Nigeria.

The initiative, which is being implemented under an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework, is designed to improve network quality, protect consumers and ensure that communication equipment imported, marketed and operated in the country complies with approved technical and regulatory standards.

The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the NCC, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing at the Commission’s head office annex in Mbora, Abuja.

Ogoh said the new framework would allow the regulator to electronically authenticate the approval status of SIM-enabled devices, making it easier to identify products that do not satisfy the required standards.

According to him, maintaining a reliable telecommunications ecosystem goes beyond investing in network infrastructure, as the devices consumers use to access these services must also meet the necessary quality and safety requirements.

He described Type Approval as a critical consumer protection and regulatory tool, rather than merely an administrative requirement, adding that it was necessary for preserving network integrity and building confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Ogoh said the Commission’s authority to enforce the requirement was provided for under Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which mandates relevant service providers, equipment manufacturers, suppliers and facilities providers to secure Type Approval before communications equipment is sold or deployed in Nigeria.

He noted that the strengthened compliance system would improve regulatory supervision, encourage adherence to industry standards and create a transparent operating environment for legitimate businesses.

The NCC director further revealed that the Commission had consulted stakeholders across the communications device supply chain following the introduction of its Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.

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According to him, the consultations involved manufacturers, importers, distributors, telecom operators, government institutions and industry associations, whose input contributed to the development of the implementation framework.

He added that the Commission was working with the Nigeria Customs Service, equipment manufacturers, importers and market associations to ensure the successful enforcement of the new measures.

Ogoh disclosed that communication devices already held in stock were being registered on the system, while incoming imports would undergo the required authentication and verification procedures.

He explained that the process would help the regulator detect counterfeit, cloned and non-compliant equipment and prevent such devices from gaining access to telecommunications networks.

Ogoh also called on consumers to check the approval status of communication equipment before making purchases.

He urged Nigerians purchasing mobile phones, tablets, modems, Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals and other SIM-enabled products to ensure that sellers could confirm their NCC Type Approval status.

Ogoh maintained that consumers were entitled to buy communication devices that met the country’s established technical and safety requirements.

He warned that the use of unapproved equipment could affect telecommunications network performance and make effective regulatory monitoring more difficult.

Ogoh added that stronger compliance with Type Approval requirements would contribute to more reliable and efficient communication services for millions of Nigerians.

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