NCC introduces enhanced device checks to block fake, non-compliant phones in Nigeria

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has commenced the implementation of an enhanced Type Approval Compliance framework aimed at identifying fake, cloned and non-compliant SIM-enabled communication devices in Nigeria.

The Commission said that the initiative is designed to improve network performance, strengthen consumer protection and ensure that communication devices imported, sold and used in the country meet established technical and regulatory standards.

The Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity at the NCC, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, disclosed this on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, during a media briefing at the Commission’s head office annex in Mbora, Abuja.

Ogoh explained that the initiative would enable the Commission to electronically verify the Type Approval status of SIM-enabled devices, making it easier to identify equipment that does not comply with applicable requirements.

According to him, the quality and safety of devices connected to telecommunications networks are essential to maintaining reliable services and protecting consumers.

“The integrity of the telecommunications industry depends not only on network infrastructure but also on the quality, safety and compliance of the devices that access and are used on these networks,” he said.

He added that Type Approval was more than a regulatory requirement, describing it as a vital mechanism for protecting consumers, safeguarding network performance and preserving confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Ogoh explained that the Commission’s regulatory responsibility was backed by Section 132(2) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which requires relevant service providers, facilities providers, equipment manufacturers and suppliers to obtain Type Approval before communications equipment can be sold or used in Nigeria.

He said the enhanced compliance framework would strengthen regulatory oversight as the telecommunications industry continued to expand.

“The Commission’s objective in this regard is to enhance compliance, improve regulatory effectiveness, and ensure that legitimate businesses can operate in a fair and transparent environment,” he stated.

The NCC director noted that the initiative would also help improve compliance with technical standards, facilitate the identification of non-compliant devices and boost consumer confidence in communication equipment available in the Nigerian market.

He disclosed that the Commission had engaged stakeholders across the device value chain following the issuance of its Type Approval Business Rules in August 2024.

According to him, the consultations involved original equipment manufacturers, importers, dealers, telecommunications service providers, government agencies and industry associations, whose contributions helped shape the implementation process.

Ogoh added that the NCC was working with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigeria Customs Service, manufacturers, importers and market associations, to ensure effective implementation.

He said devices already in stock were being onboarded into the system, while devices imported into Nigeria in the future would undergo the necessary verification and authentication processes.

“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 Commission urged Nigerians to take an active role in ensuring compliance by confirming the approval status of devices before purchasing them.

Ogoh advised consumers buying mobile phones, tablets, modems, point-of-sale (POS) terminals and other SIM-enabled devices to ask sellers whether the products had received NCC Type Approval.

“Every consumer deserves confidence that the communications devices being purchased and used meet required standards,” he said.

He explained that non-compliant devices could create challenges for network performance and complicate regulatory oversight, stressing that stronger compliance would contribute to the reliability and efficiency of telecommunications services used by millions of Nigerians.