The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has initiated a process to register SIM-enabled devices in Nigeria, aiming to ensure that all devices entering the country meet Nigeria's type-approval requirements. This move is part of the commission's efforts to eliminate counterfeit and cloned phones, restrict the market for stolen devices, and enhance national security. According to Section 132 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, type approval is the NCC's official clearance certifying that a specific model of electronic or telecommunications equipment meets Nigeria's standards.
The NCC's announcement has caused concern among phone users, with many receiving warning messages that their phones will soon be disconnected from their service providers. However, the commission has clarified that receiving such a message does not necessarily mean that the phone is fake. Rather, it indicates that the phone was not registered before entering Nigeria. The NCC has developed a central registry called the Device Management System (DMS) to achieve its goals. The DMS automatically captures and logs a phone's IMEI as soon as it connects to a network.
IMEI is a unique identifier for each phone, similar to a personalized identity number. The NCC's DMS will help track and verify the authenticity of devices used on Nigerian networks. Phone users can check their phone's status by dialing *315# and following the prompts. If the phone is verified, the user will receive a response indicating that the device is NCC Type Approved and verified for use on Nigerian mobile networks.
If a phone's status is flagged as "unapproved," it may be because the user personally imported the device. In such cases, the phone will likely flag an "unapproved" status when the verification code is dialed. If the prompt indicates that the phone is not verified, a 30-day countdown will begin. During this period, users are advised to contact their seller or the NCC's toll-free line at 622 for assistance.
The NCC's move has been reported by several newspapers, including The Punch, Business Day, and The Guardian. According to The Guardian, the announcement has caused panic among phone users. However, the commission's goal is to ensure that only approved devices are used on Nigerian networks, which will help to curb the influx of counterfeit and cloned phones.
Phone users who have received the warning message are advised to take action to verify their phone's status. They should keep their phone receipt and a screenshot of the warning code. If the phone is not verified, users should contact their seller or the NCC's toll-free line for help. The NCC's goal is to ensure that all devices used on Nigerian networks meet the country's standards.
The NCC's Device Management System is part of its efforts to regulate the use of electronic and telecommunications equipment in Nigeria. The commission's goal is to ensure that all devices used on Nigerian networks are approved and meet the country's standards. By verifying the authenticity of devices, the NCC aims to enhance national security and protect consumers from counterfeit and cloned phones.
Key points
- The NCC's Device Management System aims to eliminate counterfeit and cloned phones from Nigerian networks.
- Phone users can check their phone's status by dialing *315# and following the prompts.
- The NCC's goal is to ensure that all devices used on Nigerian networks meet the country's standards and are approved.
