By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has warned phone manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to comply with its device approval and verification requirements, threatening to restrict non-compliant devices from accessing Nigerian mobile networks.
The Commission said it was strengthening its monitoring and enforcement processes through technology-enabled verification to ensure that communications devices imported, distributed and sold in Nigeria meet the required regulatory standards.
In a notice signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Nnenna Ukoha, the NCC reminded Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs), importers, distributors, dealers and retailers of their obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the Type Approval Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.
NCC Sets Requirements for Phone Importers and Dealers
According to the Commission, all device models intended for importation, assembly, distribution or sale in Nigeria must obtain the required NCC Type Approval.
The requirement is provided for under Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and Regulation 4 of the Type Approval Regulations 2024.
The NCC also directed manufacturers, importers and other responsible suppliers to submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) information of individual devices through its approved compliance process for verification before the devices are sold or distributed.
IMEI is a unique identification number assigned to a mobile device, which helps distinguish it from other devices.
The Commission urged distributors, dealers and retailers to check whether devices already in their inventory satisfy the applicable type approval and verification requirements.
It advised businesses to work with their suppliers to resolve outstanding compliance issues and ensure that new imports meet the relevant requirements before entering the Nigerian market.
Non-Compliant Devices Could Lose Network Access
The NCC warned that devices that fail to meet the applicable requirements could be restricted from accessing Nigerian mobile telecommunications networks once the enforcement framework is fully implemented.
The proposed enforcement measures form part of the Commission’s efforts to strengthen oversight of communications devices entering the country and improve compliance across the supply chain.
The Commission said the automated type approval compliance process would enhance its ability to identify potential irregularities in device importation and distribution.
It added that the initiative was being implemented in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service to support the reconciliation of import records, compliance with applicable duties and fair competition among businesses.
NCC Urges Businesses to Complete Verification
The Commission said it had engaged manufacturers, importers and relevant industry associations as part of its participatory approach to regulation.
However, it encouraged businesses that had not participated in the engagements, or were uncertain about the compliance process, to seek assistance through its approved onboarding and support channels.
The NCC reaffirmed its commitment to working with industry stakeholders to facilitate compliance, protect consumers and promote a fair and sustainable market for communications devices.
It advised businesses seeking guidance on the device compliance process to visit www.ncc.gov.ng/DeviceCheckerGuide or call 315 for assistance.
The Commission’s warning places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of businesses across the mobile device supply chain to ensure that phones and other SIM-enabled devices comply with Nigeria’s telecommunications regulations.
Source: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
