NCC Tightens Type Approval Rules for SIM-Enabled Devices
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is strengthening enforcement of its Type Approval requirements for SIM-enabled communication devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria.
The Commission says the initiative, powered by its Device Management System (DMS), will enable the electronic verification of Type Approval compliance and improve oversight of the country’s communications device ecosystem.
The move is in line with Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires licensed service and facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to obtain Type Approval from the NCC before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.
According to the Commission, the DMS will help improve compliance with technical and regulatory standards, enhance network performance, identify non-compliant devices and boost consumer confidence in devices available in the Nigerian market.
The first phase of the automated compliance framework has commenced, with the NCC working with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers, importers and relevant market associations.
The initial phase focuses on registering devices already held in stock, while ensuring that new devices imported into Nigeria are properly registered and authenticated before entering the market.
The NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, said the initiative follows the Type Approval Business Rules issued by the Commission in August 2024, which provided for the establishment of a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) for SIM-enabled communication devices.
Ogoh explained that the central registry will contain the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of devices in Nigeria, allowing the Commission to more effectively monitor compliance with Type Approval requirements.
He added that all SIM-enabled communication devices brought into Nigeria will be required to be registered before they are sold, while unregistered devices will not be permitted to operate on Nigerian mobile networks.
The system is also expected to help the Commission identify illegally imported and non-compliant devices and block stolen devices from accessing Nigerian mobile networks.
The NCC, however, assured Nigerians that the platform is designed strictly for device identification and Type Approval compliance.
According to the Commission, the system will only maintain device identification information, such as IMEI numbers, and will not provide access to users’ personal content or enable the monitoring of private communications.
Benita Ibrahim
