Fed Govt not tracking citizens through mobile devices

The Federal Government has denied allegations that it is mounting surveillance on citizens through the new Device Checker platform.

It said the initiative has come to stay, adding that the platform does not access personal information, messages, photos, contacts or financial data.

Fielding questions from reporters in Lagos, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Aminu Maida, said the platform has become one of the industry’s innovations.

He urged consumers to understand that it is essentially for device verification, aimed at protecting the ecosystem. He stressed that device checkers are not and will not be surveillance tools, but will strengthen the ecosystem, insisting they are not trackers.

Represented by the Zonal Controller of the NCC Lagos office, Tunji Jomoh, the EVC said the platform’s purpose is limited to device identification and verifying regulatory compliance.

He said it is designed to strengthen Type Approval compliance, protect consumers and safeguard the integrity of communications devices on Nigerian networks.

“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is important that devices connected to our networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards,” he said.

The platform, he added, helps address the circulation of non-compliant, counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised devices in the market.

Maida said the Commission recently streamlined its licensing and regularisation process, enabling many device dealers in Kano State to obtain licences.

According to him, the NCC also held sensitisation engagements with importers and other industry participants in Lagos and other parts of the country to deepen awareness of Type Approval requirements and Device Checker obligations.

He said these steps have strengthened accountability across the device supply chain and improved regulatory compliance.

The Commission has also developed a Device Checker application that lets authorised stakeholders scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEIs) and upload the information directly to the platform.

An IMEI is a unique number that identifies GSM, WCDMA, and iDEN mobile phones, as well as some satellite phones. Most phones have one IMEI number, but dual-SIM phones have two.

Dr Maida said consumers could verify a device’s status before purchase through the “Check Your Device” portal at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker by entering the device’s IMEI number.

He said manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers can find their obligations in the Type Approval & Device Verification Guide here.

According to him, organisations seeking Equipment Type Approval can find application requirements in the NCC website’s Type Approval section. The Device Checker app is available at imeiscanner.registermydevice.ng.

He added that consumers with enquiries or complaints can call the NCC’s 315 toll-free line.

The EVC urged consumers to verify device status before buying and to patronise reputable, licensed dealers.

He also called on industry players to familiarise themselves with the Type Approval guide and ensure full compliance.

He restated the Commission’s commitment to “protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, strengthening network integrity, and fostering a trusted communications ecosystem for all Nigerians.” He thanked the media for helping to educate the public on the initiative.

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