By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has intensified efforts to secure Nigeria’s digital space with the implementation of an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework, introducing a Device Checker service that enables consumers to verify communications devices by dialling *315#.

The Commission said the initiative would strengthen consumer protection, safeguard telecommunications networks and help identify counterfeit, cloned and other non-compliant devices seeking access to Nigerian mobile networks.

Speaking at a news conference on the Commission’s Technical Standards and Network Integrity initiatives at the NCC Head Office Annex, Mbora, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, said the framework was designed to ensure that communications devices sold and used in Nigeria met the required technical standards.

Ogoh explained that Type Approval was an existing regulatory requirement, adding that the Commission was deploying technology to improve compliance monitoring and enforcement.

He said telecommunications had become central to Nigeria’s economic and social development, supporting business, financial transactions, education, healthcare, public services and personal communication.

“Type Approval is not merely a regulatory requirement. It is a vital mechanism for protecting consumers, safeguarding network performance and preserving confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy,” he said.

According to him, the enhanced framework followed consultations with original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications service providers, government agencies and industry associations following the issuance of the Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.

He added that the NCC had worked with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders to onboard devices already in stock and ensure newly imported equipment underwent the required verification.

Earlier, the Director of Public Affairs at the NCC, Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, urged media organisations to intensify public awareness of the Device Checker and other regulatory initiatives.

Ukoha said the media engagement was organised to give journalists insights into the Commission’s regulatory activities, industry developments and issues affecting telecommunications stakeholders.

She stressed that effective communication was essential to ensuring that regulatory policies achieved their intended objectives, particularly among consumers at the grassroots.

According to her, even well-designed regulations could have limited impact if their objectives and benefits were not adequately communicated to the public.

She therefore urged journalists to provide accurate and balanced information to help Nigerians understand the Device Checker, its benefits and their responsibilities when purchasing communications equipment.

The NCC said consumers could check a device by dialling *315# and following the prompts or visiting its official portal at www.ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker.

For a device other than the one currently in use, consumers may need its 15-digit International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number, which can be obtained by dialling *#06#.

The Commission advised Nigerians to verify devices before making payment, particularly when buying second-hand phones.

However, it clarified that consumers purchasing devices from Nigerian sellers were not expected to obtain Type Approval themselves, as compliance responsibilities rest primarily with manufacturers, importers, suppliers and businesses placing devices on the market.

The enhanced compliance system took effect on October 7, 2026.

According to the NCC, devices already connected to Nigerian mobile networks before implementation were automatically verified and generally require no action from their users.

The framework covers smartphones, feature phones, cellular tablets, eligible Internet of Things (IoT) devices, SIM-enabled point-of-sale terminals, cellular laptops and other equipment designed to connect to Nigerian mobile networks.

Addressing privacy concerns, Ogoh said the system was designed for device identification and regulatory verification, not surveillance.

He explained that although the framework uses device identification information, including IMEI numbers, it does not allow the Commission to listen to calls, read messages, access photographs, contacts, financial information or other personal files.

The Commission also said the Device Checker does not track users’ physical locations or movements.

The NCC said devices confirmed to be non-compliant with applicable requirements could be denied access to Nigerian mobile networks.

It explained that counterfeit phones imitate genuine products without the original manufacturers’ authorisation, while cloned devices use IMEI numbers assigned to other legitimate devices.

However, the Commission cautioned that an unsuccessful verification result did not automatically mean a device was counterfeit.

Consumers were advised to seek clarification from sellers and resolve outstanding verification issues before completing purchases.

It also warned Nigerians against fraudsters exploiting the process, urging them to use only the official *315# channel and NCC website and never disclose one-time verification codes to sellers, callers or other individuals.

The Commission further clarified that international roaming with foreign SIM cards would not be affected.

Visitors intending to use a Nigerian SIM in a device never previously used on a Nigerian network may use it for up to 30 cumulative days within a one-year period without verification, according to the NCC’s guidance.

The Commission said the framework was backed by the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, particularly Section 132(2), the Nigerian Communications (Type Approval) Regulations 2024 and the Type Approval Business Rules 2024.

Ugoh stressed that the Commission was strengthening enforcement of an existing requirement rather than introducing a new regulatory obligation.

The NCC urged manufacturers, importers, dealers, service providers, consumer groups and media organisations to support public sensitisation and compliance.

It advised consumers experiencing verification difficulties or network restrictions to contact their service providers or seek assistance through the Commission’s official support channels, including its toll-free number, 315.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to consumer protection, stronger technical standards and a safer, more reliable telecommunications environment to support Nigeria’s digital economy.