By GGabriel Ameh
NCC Begins SIM-Enabled Device Registration, Targets Illegal Imports and Stolen Phones
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced the registration and authentication of SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria as part of a new regulatory push to tackle illegal imports, counterfeit equipment and non-compliant communications devices.
The initiative is being implemented through the Commission’s Device Management System (DMS), which will establish a central registry of International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers assigned to SIM-enabled devices.
The system is expected to give the NCC greater visibility over devices entering Nigeria and help determine whether communications equipment complies with the country’s Type Approval requirements.
Under the framework, SIM-enabled communications devices imported into Nigeria are expected to be registered before they are sold, while devices that fail to meet registration and regulatory requirements could be prevented from operating on Nigerian mobile networks.
Existing stock, new imports targeted
The NCC said the first phase of the implementation focuses on registering existing devices already held in stock and ensuring that newly imported devices are properly registered and authenticated.
The Commission is working with the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), importers, dealers and relevant industry associations as the system is rolled out.
The move is tied to the NCC’s Type Approval regime, which requires communications equipment imported, sold or used in Nigeria to meet prescribed technical and regulatory standards.
At the centre of the new framework is the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR), which will keep records of SIM-enabled devices through their unique IMEI numbers.
According to the NCC Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh, the central registry will provide the regulator with a more effective mechanism for identifying devices and determining whether equipment entering or operating in Nigeria complies with applicable standards.
System to target stolen and illegal devices
Beyond regulatory compliance, the Device Management System is also expected to strengthen efforts to tackle illegally imported, counterfeit and stolen devices.
The system will allow authorities to identify devices that fail to meet regulatory requirements and, where necessary, block stolen phones from accessing Nigerian mobile networks.
This means that changing the SIM card in a stolen device would not necessarily allow it to reconnect to the network if the device has been identified and blocked through its IMEI.
The NCC said the initiative is also expected to improve consumer confidence in devices sold in Nigeria and contribute to a safer and more reliable telecommunications environment.
Importers face new compliance requirements
The rollout has, however, raised concerns among some industry stakeholders, who have called for clearer implementation guidelines and additional time to comply with the new requirements.
The NCC initially set September 7, 2026, as the deadline for onboarding existing devices in stock.
The deadline has reportedly been extended to October 6, 2026, following concerns raised by stakeholders over licensing requirements and the time required to complete the registration process.
Industry operators have also sought further clarification on the implementation procedures and the timeline for the full deployment of the Device Management System.
NCC addresses privacy concerns
The Commission has also moved to address concerns about possible access to information stored on users’ phones.
According to the NCC, the Device Management System is designed primarily for device identification and Type Approval compliance.
While the system will maintain device identification information, including IMEI numbers, the Commission said it is not designed to give it access to the contents of users’ phones or enable the monitoring of their personal communications.
The new framework therefore represents a major shift towards technology-driven regulation of Nigeria’s communications equipment market.
By creating a central database of SIM-enabled devices, the NCC is seeking to improve its ability to identify compliant equipment, curb illegal imports and counterfeit devices, and prevent stolen phones from accessing Nigerian networks.
For consumers, the development could mean greater scrutiny of devices sold in the Nigerian market, while importers and dealers will face increased responsibility to ensure that their devices meet registration and regulatory requirements.
