The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it is strengthening enforcement of Type Approval requirements for SIM-enabled communications devices imported, sold and used in Nigeria.
The Commission said the initiative, powered by its Device Management System (DMS), will automate the verification of devices and improve compliance with technical and regulatory standards.
Under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, manufacturers, suppliers and licensed service providers are required to obtain Type Approval before communications equipment can be sold or used in the country.
The NCC said the system will support the establishment of a Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) containing the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers of SIM-enabled devices.
Director of Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, said all SIM-enabled devices imported into Nigeria will be required to be registered before sale.
He added that unregistered devices will not be allowed to operate on Nigerian networks, while the system will also help identify illegally imported, non-compliant and stolen devices.
The NCC said it is implementing the first phase of the framework in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service, Original Equipment Manufacturers, importers and market associations.
The Commission assured Nigerians that the system will only be used for device identification and Type Approval compliance and will not give it access to users’ device content or personal communications.