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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is strengthening collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to increase adoption of its Device Checker platform, as the number of type-approved devices in the country surpasses 2,900.
The initiative forms part of the Commission’s efforts to protect consumers from counterfeit, cloned and substandard communication devices while ensuring that equipment connected to Nigeria’s telecommunications networks meets established technical and regulatory requirements.
The NCC said its Device Checker platform, accessible through its website, enables consumers to verify the approval status of mobile phones, tablets and other communication devices before purchase. The Commission is encouraging manufacturers and other industry stakeholders to promote the tool to improve consumer awareness, strengthen compliance and reduce the circulation of unauthorised devices.
NCC clarifies Device Checker’s purpose
The Commission has also sought to address concerns about the platform’s purpose, stressing that it is designed for device identification and regulatory compliance verification rather than surveillance.
NCC Executive Vice Chairman Dr Aminu Maida said the platform would strengthen the telecommunications ecosystem without functioning as a tracking tool. He made the remarks in Lagos through Tunji Jomoh, Zonal Controller of the NCC Lagos office.
Maida said the Device Checker was developed to support Type Approval compliance, protect consumers and preserve the integrity of communication devices used across the country.
“As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, it is important that devices connected to our networks comply with established technical and regulatory standards,” he said.
The Commission maintained that the platform does not access users’ personal information, messages, photographs, contacts or financial data. It urged consumers to understand that the tool is intended to verify devices and support consumer protection, not monitor individuals.
Device verification targets counterfeit and non-compliant equipment
According to the NCC, the circulation of non-compliant, counterfeit, cloned and unauthorised devices presents challenges for Nigeria’s telecommunications industry. Such equipment can interfere with network operations, affect service quality and disrupt connectivity for legitimate users.
The Commission compared unapproved devices to unauthorised electrical appliances connected to a household power system, explaining that they can compromise the performance and reliability of the wider network.
To address these concerns, the NCC has intensified engagement with manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to improve understanding of Type Approval requirements and their responsibilities under the Device Checker initiative.
Maida said the Commission had also streamlined its licensing and regularisation process, enabling a significant number of device dealers in Kano State to obtain licences. In addition, sensitisation sessions have been held with importers and other industry participants in Lagos and other parts of the country.
These engagements are intended to strengthen accountability throughout the device supply chain and improve compliance with the Commission’s technical and regulatory standards.
NCC reports more than 2,900 type-approved devices
Kings Adeyemi, Head of the NCC’s Wireless Network, Technical Standards and Networks Integrity Department, said the Commission had issued more than 2,900 type approval licences in Nigeria.
Adeyemi also disclosed that the NCC had developed a Device Checker application that allows authorised stakeholders to scan device International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) numbers and upload the information directly to the platform.
He said the directive covers all SIM-enabled devices, underscoring the importance of verifying equipment across the connected-device market.
“With the deployment of the Device Checker, all existing mobile phones and connected equipment within the country have been successfully migrated onto the platform. Importers and dealers are urged to leverage NCC’s digital resources and stakeholder guidelines available at NCC Guidelines to ensure full compliance,” Adeyemi stated.
The Commission’s engagement with OEMs and other industry participants is intended to improve awareness of the verification process and support the adoption of approved communication equipment.
Consumers and industry stakeholders urged to use NCC resources
The NCC is encouraging consumers to verify a device’s status before completing a purchase. The Commission said its online Device Checker portal allows users to check device approval information, while manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers can consult the Type Approval and Device Verification Guide to understand their obligations.
Consumers can access the verification portal at ncc.gov.ng/devicechecker. The Device Checker application for authorised stakeholders is available at imeiscanner.registermydevice.ng.
Organisations seeking Equipment Type Approval can also find application requirements in the Type Approval section of the NCC website.
For additional guidance on device verification and consumer protection, telecommunications subscribers can contact the Commission through its dedicated toll-free consumer line, 315.
The NCC has called on manufacturers, importers, distributors and dealers to familiarise themselves with the relevant guidelines and comply with the Commission’s requirements. As the number of type-approved devices approaches 3,000, the initiative highlights the regulator’s focus on strengthening device integrity, protecting consumers and supporting the reliability of Nigeria’s telecommunications networks.
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