NCC begins checks to block fake phones, modems and PoS terminals from accessing networks

The Nigerian Communications Commission has begun electronically verifying the approval status of SIM-enabled devices to identify and prevent fake, cloned and non-compliant equipment from connecting to telecommunications networks. Edoyemi Ogoh, the commission’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, disclosed this on Tuesday at a news conference in Abuja.

He said the enhanced compliance framework would strengthen oversight of devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria, improve network performance and protect consumers. Type approval is the process through which the NCC certifies that telecommunications equipment meets prescribed technical requirements before being sold or used in the country.

“We have also ensured that devices currently in stock are appropriately onboarded and that devices imported into Nigeria going forward are properly verified and authenticated,” Ogoh said. “This will provide a more effective mechanism for identifying non-compliant, cloned, or fake devices and prevent them from connecting to our networks.”

He said the initiative followed the issuance of the commission’s type approval business rules in August 2024 and consultations with manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications operators, government agencies and industry associations. The NCC also worked with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders across the device supply chain to support implementation.

According to Ogoh, Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 requires communications equipment intended for sale or use in Nigeria to obtain the commission’s approval. He said the framework would strengthen compliance and help ensure that devices connecting to Nigerian networks were compatible with existing infrastructure.

Ogoh urged consumers to confirm approval status before purchasing phones, tablets, modems, point-of-sale terminals and other SIM-enabled equipment. He advised buyers to ask sellers whether their devices had received NCC type approval, warning that non-compliant equipment could affect network performance and service reliability.

Addressing privacy concerns, Ogoh said the system was limited to device identification and approval verification. It maintains information such as International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers for regulatory purposes, he explained. “The objective of the initiative is regulatory compliance relating to communications devices. It is not a surveillance tool and does not provide access to personal information stored on devices,” he said.

He added that the framework would not allow access to users’ photographs, messages, contacts, financial information or communications content. The commission would continue public awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement to explain the initiative and the responsibilities of consumers and businesses, Ogoh said.

He noted that effective implementation would require cooperation among government agencies, network operators, manufacturers, dealers, consumer groups and the media. Ogoh reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to strengthening technical standards and protecting consumers as Nigeria’s telecommunications sector expands.