Nigerians buying new mobile phones may face stricter checks as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) begins implementing a technology driven verification system aimed at preventing counterfeit, cloned and unapproved devices from accessing the country’s telecommunications networks. The commission said it had already registered approximately 231 million devices operating across Nigeria, while newly introduced devices must satisfy its regulatory requirements before gaining access to mobile networks. The initiative is designed to improve consumer protection, strengthen network performance and curb the circulation of non compliant phones.
The NCC’s Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Edoyemi Ogoh, disclosed the development during a media briefing in Abuja, explaining that existing subscribers would not need to undertake additional registration because their devices had already been captured automatically. He also clarified that phones already connected to Nigerian networks would not be retrospectively disconnected under the new framework, including devices that may not meet current approval standards. The commission is working with the Nigeria Customs Service, manufacturers, importers and dealers to ensure that devices entering the Nigerian market comply with established technical requirements.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the initiative is expected to help authorities identify the sources of counterfeit and illegally imported devices, including information about importers, import dates and quantities. The commission has warned that faulty and substandard phones can interfere with telecommunications infrastructure, potentially affecting service quality for other subscribers. However, the NCC has stressed that its device verification system is not a surveillance tool and does not grant it access to personal information stored on users’ phones, such as messages, photographs and contacts.
To help consumers avoid purchasing unapproved devices, the commission has introduced a Device Checker service that allows buyers to verify device approval status by dialling *315# or visiting its official verification portal. Users can retrieve their phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers by dialling *#06# and should confirm a device’s approval status before purchase. The rollout marks a significant step towards tighter oversight of Nigeria’s mobile device market, although its effectiveness will depend on public awareness, transparent enforcement and cooperation among regulators, manufacturers, retailers and telecommunications operators.